Methusalem

Currently, every Flemish university has a number of research groups that provide a substantial contribution to the development of scientific knowledge and thus enjoy international recognition. These depend strongly, however, upon project financing, meaning that the stability of such research groups is quite fragile, with the disappearance of financing often bringing about the premature end of research projects. Funding from the Flemish government enables K.U.Leuven to provide leading researchers with a seven-year period of structural financing. After positive review, this financing can be extended by seven year intervals until they reach emeritus status. The annual amount is dependent upon discipline and lies between 500.000 and 1.000.000 euro. This Methusalem financing is at the highest level, not only in terms of size and duration but also in regard to proven excellence. These researchers are expected to conduct top-level research in order to acquire a strong international reputation.

Based on the evaluation report of an international Methusalem panel, K.U.Leuven has decided to award Methusalem financing to six excellent researchers in different disciplines in 2008.  The funded researchers are:

Four other prominent K.U.Leuven researchers received Methusalem financing previously: Peter Carmeliet, Bart De Strooper, Jan Delcour and Marc Waelkens. In total, 10 Methusalem scholars are associated with K.U.Leuven.

Perceptual organization in the context of a dynamical and hierarchical visual brain

 

""As of 1 October 2008, Johan Wagemans has received Methusalem financing for the study of human perception. His research focuses on the physical and visual-cognitive factors and the brain functions that play a role in the perception of patterns and structures, such as objects and events, but also visual illusions.

A plea for a ‘holistic’ archaeology. Interdisciplinarity and the interaction man-environment during the Holocene at and around Sagalassos
""Marc Waelkens started receiving Methusalem financing on 1 October 2007 for his interdisciplinary archaeological research on settlement patterns of the Sagalessos-region in Turkey and the relationship with the environment. The research spans a period from the start of the Holocene (10 000 BC) to the mid-Byzantine period (13th century AD). Special attention is paid to acculturalisation processes such as Hellenisation, Romanisation and Christianisation.
Political Economy and Institutions of Food Policy and Development

""1 January 2009 marked the start of Methusalem financing for Johan Swinnen for his economic research on food policy and the development of countries. The research will pay special attention to institutional and political factors, not only in Europe but also in Africa, China and India. This will be done by a comparative analysis using panel data, theoretical modelling and economic experiments.

Nanoscale superconductivity, fluxonics and photonics: Addressing grand challenges

""Since 1 January 2009, Victor Moshchalkov has received Methusalem financing for research into the optimal building blocks in superconductive and photonic material, in order to improve superconductive and optical properties through manipulation of the nanostructure. This will allow novel applications of superconductivity and the integration of electronics and photonics.

Catalyst design by Assembly of Single Active Sites (CASAS)

""Johan Martens started receiving Methusalem financing on 1 October 2008 for research tracing tiny catalytic elements using fluorescence microscopy. These elements are combined in an intelligent fashion to superior catalysts for the conversion of (bio)polymers into chemical compounds and energy reactors ranging from lab-on-chip up to large scale production units.

Food for the future

""Jan Delcour has received Methuselah finding since 1 September 2007. His research focuses on innovative nutritional systems. The focus lies on hydrolytic enzyme systems and their role in vegetable nutritional products. This research will contribute to understanding the factors that influence taste, texture, storage life, digestion and other qualities of food items such as bread, pasta, cereals, etc.

Angiogenesis and neurovascular links

""Peter Carmeliet has received Methusalem financing since 1 October 2007. His laboratory and clinical research investigates how genes with growth factor functions influence the development of both blood vessels and nerve bundles. This research is of the utmost importance for suppressing tumours and neurodegradation.

Neurodegenerative disorders, neuroprotective mechanisms and the aging brain
"" Bart De Strooper was awarded Methusalem financing on 1 October 2007 for his research on the aging and survival of nerve cells. The hypothesis that is tested assumes that neurodegradation (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease) is related to insufficient defence of these cells against harmful influences. Insights into neurodegredation can lead to innovative treatments
The Brain-Gut Axis in Health and Disease: from Mucosal Integrity to Cortical Processing
"" 1 January 2009 marked the start of Methusalem financing for Jan Tack and his research on the interaction between the digestive system and the brain. The main focus is on the communication between the digestive system and the brain that determine the sensation of hunger and feeding behaviour, stomach aches and hypersensitivity of the visceral nervous system following inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and how these may be influenced by stress and other factors due to reduced pain inhibition.
Endocrine and metabolic aspects of organ failure in critical illness: perspectives for prevention and therapy
"" Greet Van den Berghe started receiving Methusalem financing on 1 October 2008 for research on factors that determine the probability of survival and recovery of intensive care patients with organ failure such as heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The role of glucose and insulin will be studied both on the operating table as well as through animal models and clinical intervention programmes using the appropriate safety standards.

 

For more information:

Methusalem Financing