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EU grant supports new network for translational research in complex neurological disorders

28.05.2025 08:22

A new doctoral network aiming to advance translational research in complex neurological diseases has just received funding from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the EU’s flagship programme for doctoral and postdoctoral training. The network – called TRANSCEND – will receive approximately 4 million Euros in support. TRANSCEND brings together researchers from eleven laboratories across Europe and integrates expertise from philosophy of science, immunology, neuroscience, AI, neurology, neuromodulation, psychiatry, and more. The goal is to embrace the full complexity of brain-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorder, and to enhance both understanding and treatment. Specifically, the network aims to develop a network-based approach to translational research, improve the relevance of animal models, focus on patient outcomes, and rethink theranostic strategies – all contributing to a more holistic study of patient-centric fundamental research.

The seed for this collaboration was planted in 2018 at the Branco Weiss Symposium, when then-Fellow Lara Keuck ended her talk with the invitation: “Please, come talk to me about scope validity.” Two other Fellows, Linda Douw and Klaus Eyer, did just that. Their conversation led to a joint idea that eventually grew into the TRANSCEND initiative. Klaus Eyer, now Associate Professor at Aarhus University, coordinates the research network. The EU grant was prepared by Branco Weiss alumni Linda Douw and Lara Keuck with the generous support of a Branco Weiss collaborative grant. The network also includes further Branco Weiss alumni Lisa Genzel, Patricia Monteiro, and Kaat Alaerts, alongside additional researchers throughout Europe.

Read more on Aarhus University’s Health website