The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded the coveted Starting Grant to researchers at Goethe University: Political scientist Dr. Johannes Petry will use the funding to explore how geopolitical transformation is affecting the global financial system. Dr. Seda Koyuncu, currently at the University of Cologne, will join Goethe University to investigate the aging process in cells and its connection to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

A new review study led by Joke Bradt, PhD, a professor in Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, examined biological, psychological and social mechanisms that may explain the pain-reducing effects of music. The study, recently published in PAIN Reports, identified important gaps that future research on music-based interventions for pain relief should address.

Employees who champion climate action inside large professional services firms may find their efforts help their careers, but only when that activism aligns with business priorities, according to new research from the University of Bath and Leuphana University of Lüneburg.

Social philosopher Matthew Rachar conducts research on theories of collective action at Freie Universität Berlin. His project “Unifying Solidarity” will investigate the fundamental nature of solidarity, as this concept is often understood in vastly different context-dependent ways. The European Research Council will finance the project for five years with an ERC Starting Grant worth 1.485 million euros. The goal of ERC Starting Grants is to support outstanding early-career scholars who wish to establish their own research groups or set up independent projects.