Claus Desler Madsen Joins the Department of Biomedical Sciences
On January 1st, Claus Desler Madsen will become a part of the department in a four-year position as an associate professor. Claus is a molecular biologist and is transitioning from his role at ICMM, where he has been a member of the Center for Healthy Aging.
Claus Desler is leading the EU Horizon project POINT (Preventing NCDs in post-COVID-19) in collaboration with 10 partners across eight countries. The aftermath of COVID-19 has revealed a concerning trend: up to 70% of individuals continue to experience reduced organ function even months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. This decline in organ function is closely linked to a heightened risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The POINT project is dedicated to addressing this pressing issue by providing crucial knowledge, tools, clinical guidelines, and recommendations. These resources aim to counteract the disproportionate prevalence of NCDs among post-COVID-19 individuals.
Within the project, the Desler group is tasked with establishing cell cultures and organoid systems that faithfully replicate the kidney, cardiovascular system, and lung. They will delve into the intricate mechanisms connecting the non-acute phase of COVID-19 with declining organ function. This investigation will encompass pathways associated with premature aging, energy metabolism, and cellular stress responses.
Claus and his group will be part of the research theme Endocrinology and Metabolism and will set up their lab at 22.5.
A warm welcome to Claus from the entire department. We look forward to following Claus, his group and their interesting work in the future.