Independent Research Fund Denmark (IRFD) has awarded DKK 234 million to 38 researchers from Danish universities. Eleven of them are from Aarhus University and four come from the Faculty of Technical Sciences.

The four researchers from Tech are Assistant Professor Emre Karaman and Assistant Professor Quentin Geissmann from the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Assistant Professor Eusun Han from the Department of Agroecology and Associate Professor Mohammad Hassan Khooban from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The four projects have received a total of DKK 23.5 million.

"Research must help society through technical solutions to the world's most demanding challenges. Research into specific solutions is always borne on the shoulders of basic research, so I’m thrilled that our four young researchers have received grants from IRFD's Sapere Aude programme to establish themselves as basic researchers," says Vice-dean for Research Brian Vinter.

Søren Serritzlew, Chair of Independent Research Fund Denmark, says in a press release:

“It is always a great moment when the fund announces this year's Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant recipients. These researchers are some of the best in their field, and they represent the future of Danish research. Especially in uncertain times, it is crucial to have talented researchers who can contribute with research-based knowledge across various fields.”

Projects

Emre Karaman's project is called "Unravelling admixture-introduced complex genetic variation in genomic research" and it is about genomic research. This is mainly performed in populations with a single genetic origin. However, the number of populations with multiple genetic origins is increasing for many species. Managing these mixed populations requires new methods and computational tools to study the relationship between the genes and traits of an individual. The primary research question in this project is: "How can genomic research best consider and utilise the genetic diversity of individuals with multiple genetic origins?".

Quentin Geissmann's project is titled "Experimental metaphenomics, an AI-inspired paradigm to reveal plant's response surfaces". The project is about plants that are limited in their growth in different environments by variables such as light, temperature and nutrients. The project uses duckweed, which in combination with small 3D printed growth chambers and AI-inspired techniques can model how different variables affect duckweed growth.

Eusun Han's project "Showcasing de novo domestication of perennial grain crops for profitable, resilient and sustainable agriculture" is about developing new perennial crops that can produce food for people over several years without the need for reseeding.

Due to their extensive root systems, these new crops can be more environmentally sustainable and resistant to climate change. Eusun Han will identify perennial candidates with high grain yield, test their regenerative capacity for shoots and roots, and evaluate their potential for carbon sequestration in the soil. To achieve this, he will utilise digital sensing, machine learning algorithms, X-ray and isotope analysis.

Mohammad Hassan Khooban's project is called FiRÆ, which stands for "Flexible Wireless-Power-Transfer Carpet Battery Charger".

The project is about integrating advanced materials with a touch of AI magic to roll out carpet chargers for smart, autonomous robot helpers (such as vacuum cleaners). Chargers that are not only intelligent, but can adapt to different energy needs and terrains.

The project will allow for charging systems that not only blend naturally into the furnishing of the house, but also emphasise the best of robot autonomy and sustainability.

"The core of the project is to create an innovative carpet that robots can charge from by simply moving across it. This method eliminates the need for traditional plug-in charging stations, increasing operational efficiency and autonomy. The project is a milestone in my career that not only solves complex technical problems, but also addresses pressing societal challenges. The FiRÆ project is the starting point in a vision to be at the forefront of new advances in robot systems. The ultimate goal is to foster a new era of robotic solutions that are more autonomous, efficient and environmentally friendly, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable robot applications across industries," says Mohammad Hassan Khooban.

The new recipients of Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grants are all awarded to early career researchers who now have an opportunity to develop and strengthen their research ideas and their research management.

Contact

Jesper Bruun
Journalist
Mail: bruun@au.dk
Tlf.: 42404140