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ERC grant for research on early detection of ovarian cancer

Christelle Prinz, Professor of Solid State Physics at Lund University, has been awarded an ERC Proof of Concept Grant for her research into creating cost-effective biosensor diagnostics for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

Jonas Andersson – Published 8 May 2023

Portrait of Christelle Prinz
Photo: Kennet Ruona

What is your research project about?

The project is a collaboration work with Dr. Jae Yen Shin, a former colleague and entrepreneur. We will use my lab's micro- and nanotechnology knowhow, and Jae's biochemistry assay development knowledge, to develop a test for early detection of ovarian cancer.

What is your goal?

Our goal is to create the first prototype that is fully functional, and also a spin-out company that continues to develop the product. The product will be highly specific and robust, and used for screening for early ovarian cancer. There is currently no predictive device for ovarian cancer on the market.  The device will also be used to monitor cancer during treatment. Our hope is to bring a product to market within 5 years.

How does the method work?

The test will allow doctors to identify women at risk of developing ovarian cancer. It will be complementary to existing methods such as biopsies and transvaginal ultrasounds. We anticipate that the newly developed diagnostics platform will be used at point of care and primary care units, and farther in the future even home testing. 

What does this ERC grant mean to you?

The ERC-proof of concept is key to converting our idea into an actual prototype and initiating IP protection. It will also help us start a company and bring in more funding to continue developing our product, that will be useful in society.

More about ERC Proof of Concept grants