Twelve leading scientists from the science domains Applied and Technical Sciences (TTW) and Health Research and Care Innovation (ZonMw) will receive Vici funding of up to EUR 1.5 million. This allows the laureates to develop an innovative line of research for five years and build up their own research group. Vici is one of the largest person-centred scientific grants in the Netherlands and is aimed at advanced researchers.
Scientists will conduct research in different fields. Indeed, within the Vici, scientists are free to propose their own research project for funding. Several laureates will work on different forms or treatment methods of cancer. One project, for example, involves improving breast cancer screening techniques. The aim is to be able to characterise found tumours even better. In addition, one study focuses on colon cancer. Here, the researchers want to better understand and manipulate cell competition in the earliest stages of cancer to prevent the disease. Researchers will also film the development of colon cancer to study it. This will allow them to discover factors that may lead to increased risk of colon cancer.
Extreme ultraviolet nano-imaging
Other research includes microscopy with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. This would open up a wide range of new possibilities in science and technology. But current EUV detectors are slow, and not optimised for low-light applications. In this project, a researcher will therefore develop a new way of EUV detection for imaging to ensure that every photon counts.
Nutrient recovery
Another research receiving funding focuses on nutrient recovery. Nanoporous 2D and 3D materials that exhibit interesting properties for energy storage can also be used to efficiently desalinate water via electrically driven separation processes. The research proposal aims to add selectivity to this using physicochemical modifications. In this way, it is possible to fundamentally understand the underlying mechanisms of selectivity. With this innovative approach, salts can be obtained in pure form. This enables reuse of metals and nutrients.
More funding has been awarded. Other research questions concern, for example, making currently elusive agricultural pest formation predictable and airborne virus transmission.
Custom planning
NWO awards the Vici annually. At the science domains TTW and ZonMw, a total of 91 applications were submitted, of which 12 were granted. These awards concern Vici round 2021-part 1. The Vici awards of the science domains of Exact and Natural Sciences (ENW) and Social and Humanities (SGW) are expected to happen in mid-March. Due to cancellations and absenteeism due to corona, the assessment is taking longer than anticipated. In order not to leave all scientists in suspense any longer, the grants of TTW and ZonMw have therefore been announced now. Once all awards are known, all figures, facts and award percentages surrounding this round will follow.
NWO-Vici funding
Together with the Veni and Vidi grants, Vici funding is part of the NWO Talent Programme. Vici is aimed at senior researchers who have demonstrated their ability to successfully develop their own innovative line of research. In doing so, they have mentored young researchers. Researchers awarded a Vici grant are allowed to build up their own research group, often in anticipation of a structural professorship position.
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