When the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) announced the recipients of its prestigious Future Research Leaders (FFL) program three years ago, researcher Arvid Guterstam from Karolinska Institutet (KI) was among the 16 selected candidates. Through this initiative, Guterstam received a grant of SEK 15 million to advance his research over a five-year period. As he reaches the midpoint of the program, Guterstam reflects on his progress and the impact of the funding on his work.
The FFL program is designed to nurture emerging researchers with exceptional scientific and pedagogical skills. Its core objective is to equip these individuals with the necessary tools to thrive as leaders in their fields. Notably, the program emphasizes that research outcomes should extend beyond academia, benefiting society and industry alike. In addition to financial support, participants undergo extensive leadership training, comprising 20 full days and a week-long study trip to Switzerland. This training aims to prepare them for leadership roles in larger research initiatives.
Guterstam’s research focuses on how the brain processes social attention, a critical element in social cognition. In his application to the FFL program, he outlined several objectives for his study: first, to determine whether the mechanisms behind social attention are innate or influenced by culture; second, to identify the functional roles of the brain regions involved; third, to explore the basic perceptual properties of these mechanisms; fourth, to examine their potential impairment in individuals with autism; and finally, to assess whether these mechanisms can be enhanced through fMRI neurofeedback to improve social functioning in autistic individuals.
Guterstam anticipates that his findings will contribute significantly to the understanding of autism, potentially paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. His commitment to uncovering new knowledge in this area underscores the broader impact of the FFL program, which aims to translate research into real-world applications.
In a recent interview, Guterstam elaborated on his work and the insights he has gained thus far. He highlighted the importance of the FFL program in providing resources and training that enhance not only his research capabilities but also his ability to lead and mentor others in the scientific community.
As Guterstam continues his journey through the Future Research Leaders program, the implications of his research extend far beyond the walls of academia. By focusing on autism and social cognition, he aims to foster a deeper understanding of these complex issues, ultimately benefiting individuals and communities. The support from the SSF serves not just as a financial boost but as a robust framework for fostering the next generation of research leaders.
