Congratulations Staffan, how does it feel?
”It still feels quite surreal. I worked for a very long time on the application, which I submitted a year ago. The decision that came in June was initially a rejection, then changed to reserve, and after three months on the reserve list I had basically given up hope. So, the decision to fund the project was as exciting as it was shocking.”
Tell us about your research project.
”It's about understanding the genetic basis for different aspects of migratory behaviour in songbirds: the urge to leave, the direction they take and the length of their journey. Despite quite a lot of research on different migratory birds, we know surprisingly little about the genetics behind these traits.”
What do you hope to achieve with the project?
”We don't know how the instinct to migrate in a certain direction works. That is, what instructions the genes give a bird migrating for the first time. Among other things, I will transport unhatched thrush eggs from Kazakhstan to Bulgaria, raise the chicks and follow how they migrate. The experiment will show whether they are instructed to fly in a certain direction or whether they inherit a map that leads them to a target area.”
Is there any practical use for the results?
”This is basic research, and I can't say what it will lead to, apart from deeper insights into the genetics behind migratory behaviour.”
What does the grant mean to you?
”It's revolutionary! I've been thinking about the research I planned in the application for at least ten years. With the grant, I will be able to recruit several postdoctoral researchers with the appropriate expertise for the various sub-projects. It's going to be incredibly exciting and fun.”
The ERC* Advanced Grant is aimed at established researchers who have made significant research contributions over the past ten years. The grant averages 2.5 million euros over five years. A total of 721 million euros will be distributed to 281 European researchers.
*European Research Council
