Two SUND researchers each receive new DKK 12M grant in skin research

In the newly established LEO Foundation Dr Abildgaard Fellowship grant, emerging research leaders could apply within one of the two themes – Skin Immunology and Inflammatory Skin Diseases, and Skin Physiology and Cutaneous Drug Delivery.

Two researchers at the University of Copenhagen receive the grant this year. Assistant Professors Terkild Buus and Stine Rønholt at the LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center impressed external and independent reviewers as well as internal reviewers with their visions and plans for skin research.

The grant is awarded with DKK 12M for a five-year period. Established in 2023, the Dr Abildgaard Fellowship grant supports skin research talents who possess leadership qualities and have the ambition to establish or expand an independent research group at a not-for-profit Danish research institution. Beside two SUND researchers recipients, the University of Southern Denmark’s Assistant Professor Aida Hansen also receive a Dr Abildgaard Fellowship grant.

Read about the SUND projects below.

Terkild Buus receives the grant for his research building on expertise in complex data analysis and research on aberrant T cells and skin inflammation, to explore how bacteria and their toxins may worsen Atopic Dermatitis. Terkild Buus’ project is granted through this year’s research theme, Skin Immunology and Inflammatory Skin Diseases. His grant will support the establishment of a research team through recruitment of a PhD student and a laboratory technician.

Stine Rønholt receives the grant for her exploration of new ways to treat chronic skin issues (like eczema) directly on the affected parts of the skin. Her plan is to explore a novel approach using “ionic liquids” that directly treats eczema using small patches equipped with tiny needles. Stine Rønholt’s project is granted through this year’s research theme, Skin Physiology and Cutaneous Drug Delivery. Her grant will support the expansion of her research team by the recruitment of PhD students and a Postdoc, as well as help fund new equipment.