The European Research Council funds research into cell membranes
Professor Ilpo Vattulainen from the Department of Physics at Tampere University of Technology (TUT) has received substantial research funding from the European Research Council (ERC).
Finnish universities and research institutions submitted altogether 71 applications in response to the Europe-wide call. In total, ERC granted funding to 294 researchers.
Prof. Vattulainen and his research group are utilizing computational biophysics to explore protein-lipid interactions. The purpose of the project is to examine how lipids found in cell membranes regulate protein functions under crowded conditions.
In addition, the research project focuses on lipoproteins that transport cholesterol and other lipids in the body. Lipoproteins are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even though the effect that lipids have on protein functions still remains poorly understood.
Thirteen percent of the researchers who submitted an application to the Europe-wide call succeeded in securing funding for their research. The European Research Council supports research in all the scientific fields.
Further information:
Professor Ilpo Vattulainen
ilpo.vattulainen(at)tut.fi, tel. +358 (0) 400 510 592