Professors David Murphy, from the School of Clinical Sciences, and Julian Paton, from of the School of Physiology and Pharmacology, have been awarded two of six research grants funded under a collaborative scheme by  the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).

A memorandum of understanding signed by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and FAPESP allows joint UK-Brazilian projects to be considered for funding by several research councils, including BBSRC.

Professors Murphy and Paton have received two BBSRC-FAPESP project grants. The first, in collaboration with Professor Lisete Michelin and Dr Vagner Antunes from the University of São Paulo, will look at how exercise can ameliorate some of the problems associated with ageing and may one day contribute to improving the quality of life of the older generation. The combined grant is worth around £1.27 million of which £520,941 represents the BBSRC grant to Bristol.

The second, worth more than a £1.7 million, of which £659,438 represents the BBSRC portion to Bristol, is in collaboration with Professor José Antunes-Rodrigues, also from the University of São Paulo, and will look at the behavioural and neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate hydro mineral homeostasis, the ideal balance of minerals and water needed for good health. In particular the research will focus out how these mechanisms can go wrong in old age and how exposure to high levels of salt in the womb can affect salt consumption in later life.

‘We are extremely honoured and excited to have been awarded two of these major new grants,’ said Professor Murphy who will lead the research. ‘Two out of six represents a great success rate for Bristol, and we’re looking forward to working with our colleagues from the University of São Paulo on these two important projects.'