ERC Grants for MEP Core Members

We congratulate our core members, Prof. Dr. Matthias Feige and Prof. Dr. Jan Torgersen, on receiving funding from the European Research Council. Both researchers have been awarded ERC grants that build upon their existing projects and support their further development toward practical application. Their expertise from diverse disciplines converges at the Munich Institute of Integrated Materials, Energy and Process Engineering (MEP).

Prof. Matthias Feige holds the Chair of Cellular Protein Biochemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on protein biosynthesis processes and protein quality control within cells. A current priority is the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches to treating cancer. In the "OnsiteOkine" project, his team is investigating a modified variant of the signaling molecule interleukin-12. This variant is designed to act specifically within tumor tissue and subsequently degrade rapidly. This approach aims to intensify the therapeutic effect locally while minimizing side effects in the rest of the body. Building on his ERC-funded basic research, this project is now being advanced with an ERC Proof of Concept Grant to explore the path toward practical application.

Prof. Jan Torgersen is Professor of Materials Science at the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His research focuses on nanocoatings and their industrial production. In the "BLADE" project, his team is developing new atomic layer deposition processes. While this technology enables precise coating of even complex structures, it was previously considered difficult to scale up. The goal is to facilitate application in sectors such as energy, battery technology, and manufacturing—and thereby support the transfer of the technology into practice—by using a low-pressure process.

Further information can be found in the article "Five ERC Grants for TUM Researchers – TUM."

What are ERC grants?

ERC grants are awarded by the European Research Council and rank among the key funding instruments for scientific projects in Europe. They are aimed at researchers at various career stages and comprise several funding streams. These include Starting Grants for establishing research groups, Consolidator Grants for further developing existing programs, and Proof of Concept Grants. The latter support researchers in assessing whether results from previously funded projects can be translated into applications or innovations.