Funding awarded to research on cluster headache
Two researchers at the Centre for Cluster Headache at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded two stipends and one grant to support their innovative research on cluster headache. The awards, granted by the International Headache Society, the Swedish Headache Society, H. Lundbeck AB, and Pfizer, aim to advance the understanding and treatment of headache conditions.
International Headache Society Junior Research Grant
The International Headache Society (IHS) Junior Research Grant, valued at GBP 10,000, has been awarded to Joseph Lloyd, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Neuroscience, for his project entitled "Characterisation of cadmium exposure and epigenetic changes in cluster headache." The grant aims to support innovative and impactful research from young investigators, promote the career of young investigators in the field of headache, and increase the knowledge base of headache disorders.
"This project aims to uncover the role of cadmium in the pathogenesis of cluster headaches, which could lead to new preventive strategies," says Joseph Lloyd.
Swedish Headache Society and H. Lundbeck AB Research stipend
In addition, Joseph Lloyd has also received the Swedish Headache Society and H. Lundbeck AB research stipend, amounting to 80,000 SEK, for the same project. This scholarship promotes the development of knowledge in headache diseases through both basic and clinical research.
Joseph Lloyd's work will investigate the epigenetic changes caused by cadmium exposure, which has been linked to tobacco use, in people affected by cluster headaches.
Swedish Headache Society and Pfizer's scholarship
Stefan Spulber, research specialist at the Department of Neuroscience, has been awarded the Swedish Headache Society and Pfizer's scholarship, valued at 100,000 SEK, for his project "Circadian biomarkers in cluster headache."
This scholarship supports patient-centred research on migraine and other primary headache disorders. Stefan Spulber's study aims to investigate the variability in circadian patterns of activity in cluster headache patients using wrist actigraphy.
"Using data collected by the Centre for Cluster Headache as well as publicly available databases, we aim to identify specific changes in activity patterns that precede headache attacks. We hope to provide healthcare personnel and patients with useful actionable information to improve quality of life," says Stefan Spulber.