BIOSS scientist receives EU funding for kidney research

In search of new treatments for diabetic kidney disease: Prof. Dr. Tobias Huber, doctor and Heisenberg Professor at the Department of Nephrology and Primary Care of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg and member of the Cluster of Excellence BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies has been selected to receive a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to conduct research on diabetic kidney disease.

 Theresia Bauer, Minister for Science, Research, and the Arts, congratulated Tobias Huber on his acceptance to this funding program for fundamental research at a reception with 14 outstanding scientists from Baden-Württemberg.

The Consolidator Grant is only rarely awarded to a practicing doctor.

Diabetic kidney disease is the most common reason for dialysis treatment and constitutes an immense medical problem in light of the increasing number of diabetes patients. “Diabetic kidney disease requiring dialysis is accompanied by great suffering and a host of problems for each and every one of our patients,” says Tobias Huber.

The aim of the research project for which Huber received the grant is to improve our understanding of the complex foundations of this kidney disease. The project will include novel approaches for gaining insight into the molecules involved in diabetic kidney disease, such as a broad genetic manipulation of diabetic fruit flies. In addition, Huber plans to conduct the first-ever comparison of individual molecular patient profiles with the course of the disease in order to develop strategies for adapting therapy to the needs of each individual patient.

“This EU funding program provides Tobias Huber the unique opportunity to develop new preventive and therapeutic approaches for our patients,” adds Prof. Dr. Gerd Walz