Three promising UG researchers to top institutes abroad on Rubicon grants

Three promising PhD graduates from the University of Groningen will be able to conduct research at top institutes abroad for two years thanks to the Rubicon programme organized by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and ZorgOnderzoek Nederland Medische Wetenschappen (ZonMw; Healthcare Research Dutch Medical Sciences) . The NWO and ZonMw Rubicon programme enables talented, young researchers to acquire international research experience to help kick-start their academic careers.

DNA repair: wrong place, wrong time.

Dr. Y.P. Kok , Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG, University of Groningen -> Switserland -> University of Zürich -> 24 months

DNA replication stress induces DNA lesions which on the one hand fuels tumorigenesis and on the other hand negatively impact cell viability. Post-MiDAS is a recently discovered DNA-repair mechanism that may mitigate detrimental effects of replication stress. Kok proposes to elucidate the role of post-MiDAS in coping with replication stress.

Unravelling key mechanisms of nuclear pore complex biogenesis

Dr. E.F.E. Kuiper , Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG, University of Groningen -> Verenigde Staten -> Yale University -> 24 months

The nuclear pore complex is the gateway to our DNA and crucial for cellular health. It is one of the largest complexes in the cell, but how does the cell make sure that it is correctly assembled? This research aims to elucidate quality control checkpoints in nuclear pore complex biogenesis.

Division from cooperation

Dr. K. K. Nakashima , Stratingh Institute, University of Groningen -> Frankrijk -> Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramolécularies, Université de Strasbourg -> 24 months

Cells undergo growth and division cycles to achieve replication, a pillar of life. Scientists cannot explain how primitive cells could divide, even though it is clear they succeeded. This project combines the chemical power of coacervates with the biophysics of vesicles to test a hypothesis of a primitive division mechanism.