We have just published yet another ranking list in the international CEUS-UNISONO call for bilateral or trilateral research projects for research teams from the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia and Poland. This time, Dr Tomasz Skirecki is the winning candidate recommended for funding as a result of merit-based evaluation of the Austrian agency FWF (Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung). Dr Skirecki has been awarded 1,126,650 PLN for his project “Treatment of long-term effects of sepsis with mesenchymal stromal cells from adipose tissue in mouse models”.
“The mortality rate for septic shock is up to 50% but even if survived, as many as 60% of patients do not recover, in particular elderly patients who often suffer from muscle weakness as well as cognitive, anxiety and emotional disorders. As a consequence, their quality of life is reduced and sometimes they even need to resort to a nursing home” says Dr Skirecki. Therefore, his research may help to develop effective therapies to reduce mortality from sepsis and improve quality of life after sepsis. The research results will further our understanding of the pathophysiology of late effects of sepsis and help to develop clinical trials using cell therapies.
Under the CEUS-UNISONO call for proposals, the Polish research team may be awarded funding for remuneration of the research team, scholarships for students and PhD students, purchase or construction of research equipment and other project-related expenses.
The call is carried out as under the multilateral CEUS programme pursuant to the Lead Agency Procedure (LAP) in collaboration between the NCN and the research funding agencies from Austria (FWF - Austrian Science Fund), the Czesch Republic (GAČR - Czech Science Foundation) and Slovenia (ARRS- Slovenian Research Agency).