NWO ENW-M grants for three FSE researchers

Description

Three projects by researchers of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (UG) will receive ENW-M grants from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). Prof. dr. Wiktor Szymanski, together with prof. Schelto Kruijff of the UMCG receive EUR 825,000 for developing a new, light-controlled treatment technique that simultaneously visualises the activated medicine and its effect. Prof. dr. Theunis Piersma and Dr. Alexander Belyy each receive EUR 400,000 for research on how black-tailed godwits protect their nests and young from predators and how Legionella bacteria invade lung cells.

The ENW M grant offers researchers the opportunity to develop creative, high-risk ideas and bring about scientific innovations in all disciplines of the Exact and Natural Sciences.

Unmasking a stealthy enemy: cryo-EM revealing Legionella's invasion tactics

Dr. Alexander Belyy (RUG)

Hiding in the water systems we use every day, the pathogenic Legionella pneumophila bacterium waits for the right moment to apply its sophisticated strategies to hijack our lung cells and cause life-threatening pneumonia. Our project employs advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to reveal these elusive tactics at the molecular level. With unprecedented resolution, we will visualize bacterial attacks, allowing us to gain critical insight into the methods of infection. This study promises to redefine our understanding of L. pneumophila pathogenicity and paves the way for the development of novel medical interventions to combat Legionnaires' disease.