The Swedish Society for Medical Research addresses promising researchers in all medical fields and supports basic as well as applied research. The SSMF Starting Grant is a four-year grant aimed at enabling them to establish themselves and become independent researchers.
“I received very important feedback that surely improved my application”
Mariangela Pellegrini’s research investigates pathophysiological mechanisms that characterise the respiratory mechanics of critically ill patients. Her project aims to investigate the potential injuries determined by an uncontrolled expiration in these patients during mechanical ventilation treatment. The expiratory phase has previously been considered harmless and, therefore, not monitored or assisted. The aim is to create a more protective ventilatory support to prevent lung damage, shorten the time on mechanical ventilation and improve patients’ chances of survival.
Congratulations! How does it feel?
“Thank you! I am of course extremely glad and honoured for this grant. The SSMF Starting Grant will open new possibilities for me to become an independent researcher in the future.”
What does it mean for your research?
“I wish to pursue a scientific path in my professional career. I want to contribute, in the best way I can, to science, by conducting high quality research. The SSMF Starting grant will be a unique boost. Not only for this specific research project but also for my growth as an independent researcher.”
Besides your research, what do you think made you get the grant? Did you do anything special or work in any particular way on the application?
“I think that the two main points when writing a new grant application are the following ones:
- Start with a new, inspiring and innovative research idea.
- Make clear to the reviewers, likely not experts in your field of research, how important your idea is for the scientific community and for improving patients’ care
“I have spent quite a lot of time writing my grant proposal and then reviewing it several times. I have also asked some of my senior colleagues to read the draft when almost completed. I received very important feedback that surely improved my application.”
“I have dared to initiate studies for which I have not really had the coverage”
Johan Virhammar’s research mainly focuses on neuroimaging and biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and pathophysiology, primarily in the field of hydrocephalus. His project will investigate a pharmacological treatment for hydrocephalus in the elderly, so-called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), study the mechanisms of the disease and further develop radiological methods for diagnosis. In particular, individuals with imaging of their brain consistent with NPH, but who have not yet developed symptoms, will be followed for several years to investigate the debut and progression of the disease.
Congratulations! How does it feel?
“Thank you! It feels great to have received such trust.”
What does it mean for your research?
“I work with a disease group that is not very well known and doesn't usually get much attention. It also means that the disease is less studied than many other neurological diseases, and there are still significant gaps in our knowledge. For example, we don't know what causes the disease, and there is no effective pharmacological therapy, which are research questions that require a lot of time and resources to address.
“We have now started the first drug study for this disease group. With the help of this grant, we are in a good position to both complete that study and to be able to undertake further pharmacological studies and investigate the unclear mechanisms of the disease.”
Besides your research, what do you think made you get the grant? Did you do anything special or work in any particular way on the application?
“I have dared to initiate studies for which I have not really had the coverage in either time or money. Of course, it is easier to show a grant provider that you can implement an idea if you have already started than to just present a plan.”