NWO awards two TOP-GO grants

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has honoured two Faculty of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences) projects in NWO’s cross-divisional open competition for TOP grants ( TOP-GO ).

• Synthese van membraaneiwitten [Synthesis of membrane proteins]
  Main applicant: Prof. B. Poolman – Enzymology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB).
  
• The synthesis of signal processing and radio astronomical calibration and imaging techniques
  Main applicant: Prof. A.G. de Bruyn - Astronomy, Kapteyn Astronomical Institute

EUR 14 million was available for outstanding cross-divisional research. Nineteen of the 123 research proposals have been awarded grants of up to EUR 750,000.

Proposal round for cross-divisional research

The TOP-GO proposal round was a pilot project for the NWO divisions Earth and Life Sciences (ALW), Chemical Sciences (CW) and Physical Sciences (EW) together with ZonMw. The aim was to investigate the practicability and added value of a cross-divisional open competition. The approach was successful – more than three quarters of the proposals were on the interface between disciplines and most of the people involved were positive about the opportunity to assess in a cross-divisional way. For the time being the TOP-GO competition was a once off, but the possibilities of a follow-up are being investigated.

Synthese van membraaneiwitten [Synthesis of membrane proteins]
Prof. B. Poolman (University of Groningen)
Membrane proteins perform numerous essential functions in our cells. If these proteins are brought to increased expression or if proteins alien to cells must be produced, problems are often encountered. This proposal will develop and apply genome and microscopic technologies to better understand the limitations in the biogenesis of membrane proteins. This should lead to improved systems for the expression of proteins and membrane proteins.
Other applicants: Prof. A.M. van Oijen (University of Groningen), Prof. J. Kok (University of Groningen)

The synthesis of signal processing and radio astronomical calibration and imaging techniques
Prof. A.G. de Bruyn (University of Groningen)
The new generation of radio telescopes can study the radio waves of astronomical objects at a sensitivity that is 1000 times greater and 10,000 times faster. In order to exploit this capacity to the full, an adapted data model and new calibration methods are needed, incorporating recent developments in signal processing theory. The increase in data volume also demands a more powerful platform with more processing capacity. Research on signals from the universe’s distant past will form a test case.
Other applicants: Dr L.V.E. Koopmans (University of Groningen), Dr R. Nijboer (ASTRON), Prof. S. Zaroubi (University of Groningen), Dr M.A. Brentjens (ASTRON), Prof. A.J. van der Veen (TUD), J.E. Noordam (ASTRON), Dr S. Wijnholds (ASTRON)