ERC Proof of Concept Grant for Harutyunyan and van den Boogaart

Professors Syuzanna Harutyunyan and Geert van den Boogaart of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (University of Groningen) have been awarded a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). Harutyunyan receives the grant for research into more efficient and sustainable production of chiral molecules, which are essential for effective drugs and chemicals. Van den Boogaart will use the grant to further develop a rapid, low-cost diagnostic test for detecting tuberculosis.

The EUR 150,000 grant is intended to explore the potential of new technologies and take the next step toward innovation. Both researchers are building on the foundations of previous projects, for which they received an ERC Consolidator Grant of EUR 2 million. 

Contribution to effective drugs

Harutyunyan is engaged in the development of innovative chiral ligands. These ligands should enable the more efficient and sustainable production of chiral molecules, which are essential for drugs and chemicals. The research focuses on a new class of chiral phosphine ligands, which can be rapidly diversified and applied. This can improve the production of enantiomerically pure compounds and is relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, fragrances and flavors, and agrochemicals.

Early diagnosis of tuberculosis

Van den Boogaart is focusing on the further development of a rapid, low-cost diagnostic test for detecting tuberculosis. This involves detection as early as possible, before symptoms appear. This is going to help prevent the spread of the disease in areas where it is common. To achieve this, Van den Boogaart is going to further explore a newly established test, which he developed with Dr. Frans Bianchi.