Four talented Health researchers receive grants
Four researchers from Health have received research grants from the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) for projects aimed at advancing the understanding of diabetes, osteoporosis, and other hormone-related diseases.
DDEA is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and supports early-career researchers working within the fields of diabetes and hormone-related diseases. The total funding granted to the researchers at Health amounts to DKK 3.9 million.
Learn more about the grant recipients at Health:
Future PhD student Amal Derai from the Department of Clinical Medicine and the Department of Renal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital has received a two-thirds funded PhD scholarship of DKK 1.1 million for the project: “Subtotal parathyroidectomy for the treatment of persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation.”
In this PhD project, the researcher will investigate the best approach to managing mineral imbalances in kidney transplant patients, primarily by testing a surgical procedure known as subtotal parathyroidectomy. The goal is to enhance patients' bone health and quality of life by developing improved treatment methods and guidelines.
Future PhD student Line Voss Jacobsen from the Department of Clinical Medicine and the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital has received a two-thirds funded PhD scholarship of DKK 1.1 million for the project: “Optimal timing of meals and bone health in women with osteopenia.”
In this PhD project, the researcher will explore whether a bedtime meal can improve bone health and prevent the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with reduced bone density. She will test which type of meal is most effective in reducing bone resorption and whether regular consumption of the meal over 12 months can improve bone density and balance.
Future PhD student Martin Cloyd Hartz from the Department of Clinical Medicine and the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital has received a two-thirds funded PhD scholarship of DKK 1.1 million for the project: “Individualizing patient identification and treatment in osteoporosis – an epidemiological project.”
In this PhD project, the researcher will analyze registry data from a national database containing 170,000 individuals to study how the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis can be tailored to individual patients. The aim is to improve treatment outcomes, optimize diagnostic practices, and develop personalized treatment strategies that reduce fracture risk and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Postdoc researcher Fernando Valentim Bitencourt from the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health has received a Strategic Partnership postdoctoral scholarship of DKK 600,000 for the project: “From Gums to Heart: Untangling the Link Between Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes.”
The researcher will examine the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Data from Denmark and Finland will be used to investigate whether periodontitis increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease and mortality, and whether dental treatments can improve blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular health in diabetic patients.
Based on press material from the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA).