Congratulations to the recipients of a Sapere Aude grant, which translates to "Dare to know", is awarded to exceptionally talented young researchers who represent excellence in their respective research fields.

Below you can read about the iNANO researchers who have received the grants and their projects.

Assistant Professor Espen Drath Bøjesen
Project title: New methods for the determination of polyoxometalate structures in their application state
Espen Drath Bøjesen's project focuses on developing new methods to determine the structures of polyoxometalates (POMs) in their applied states, such as in solution or on surfaces. POMs are complex compounds with significant potential in cancer treatment and green technology. By understanding their structure, Dr. Bøjesen aims to optimize their properties and develop better catalysts, contributing to the green transition. This innovative approach, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research, could lead to significant advancements in materials chemistry and environmental sustainability.

Assistant Professor Thibault Viennet
Project title: Cracking the code of FoxO3 transcription regulation by phosphorylation
Thibault Viennet is investigating the regulation of the critical transcription factor FoxO3 by phosphorylation. Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sites to regulate gene expression. FoxO3 plays a key role in protecting against aging and cancer, and dysregulation can lead to disease. His project aims to understand how phosphorylation affects FoxO3's structure and function, using advanced techniques like Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). This research could lead to new insights into aging-related disorders and novel therapeutic strategies.

Assistant Professor Michael Westberg Sørensen
Project title: Chemoswitchable binders for probing endogenous cell signaling
Michael Westberg Sørensen's aims to develop new protein-based tools to study complex biochemical signals, particularly in immune and brain cells. By creating chemoswitchable binders, Michael Westberg Sørensen's research seeks to precisely interrupt biochemical signals to better understand their roles in diseases such as brain cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. This project leverages AI-based algorithms for protein design and will test the tools on zebrafish and mice models, potentially revolutionizing how we study and develop treatments for these conditions.

Receiving the Sapere Aude grants is a significant milestone for the researchers, underscoring the importance and impact of their work. These grants will provide critical support for their innovative projects, enabling them to push the boundaries of science and contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges in health and technology.

Congratulations to Espen Bøjesen, Thibault Viennet, and Michael W. Sørensen on their outstanding achievements. 

For more information, please visit the Independent Research Fund Denmark's Sapere Aude recipients page.