Marie Curie Actions: Inspiring Researchers - Imdea

might contribute to the effect. ‘Now, we are trying to evaluatethe possible toxic potential and the chemical structure of themycotoxic substance with the help of research collaboratorsand PhD Fellows from various African countries,’ ProfessorStoev remarks. Ultimately, he says, a better understanding ofmycotoxins’ action will make it possible ‘to undertake variouspreventive measures, assuming that we are clear about thecauses of these nephropathies’.Help for the poorest of the poorThus, Professor Stoev is continuing his struggle against apotentially deadly foe, increasing understanding of the causesof kidney damage as he goes. This will not only benefi t fellowcitizens of the Balkans or of the European Union, but sufferersaround the world – which include disadvantaged populationsin South Africa: ‘From the South African perspective, theinvestigation of the role of environmental agents in chronicdiseases, which are rampant in the black rural areas, is ofparamount importance to the country.’ But why are suchstudies so essential?The cause of many cancers and diseases is still a mystery.However, it has been proven time and again that they are ‘atleast in part linked to diet and mycotoxins’, Professor Stoevmakes clear. For this reason, the poor are often the mostvulnerable: many are malnourished to begin with and do nothave the means to store food properly. Professor Stoev addsthat other factors, such as alcoholism, heavy smoking, HIVor tuberculosis, which are more frequent in poorer areas,further compound the risk, and emphasises that internationalcooperation is key to helping those most vulnerable communities.‘Any effort to understand such diseases is a priority, so thateffective interventions can be made.’The work of a pioneerProfessor Stoev has been pushing back the boundaries in moreways than one, being the fi rst Marie Curie Fellow to take hisresearch to the African continent. And this pioneering work hasalready gained broad recognition. Professor Stoev is in greatdemand as a speaker at scientifi c events across South Africa,and numerous prestigious journals have published his articles.But the Marie Curie grant has also helped him to establish266