Seven Vidi grants for top researchers from the University of Groningen and UMCG

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded Vidi grants to seven researchers from the University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen. In this round, 88 of the 540 applications were honoured nationwide. The grants, which are worth a maximum of € 800,000, enable researchers to develop their own research lines and set up their own research teams.

Vidi is aimed at excellent researchers with several years of successful research experience after gaining a PhD. These researchers are among the best ten to twenty percent in their field. A Vidi grant enables the recipient to conduct research for five years. NWO selects Vidi laureates on the basis of the qualities of the researcher, the innovative character of the research, the expected academic impact of the research proposal and the potential benefits to the body of knowledge.

University of Groningen and UMCG projects awarded a Vidi grant

• New Catalysts for the sustainable production of chemicals
  Dr M.A. (Tati) Fernández, University of Groningen – Chemistry
  The sustainable synthesis of organic molecules provides innumerable benefits for the environment and economy. The researchers will develop new catalysts for the direct and selective functionalization of C-H bonds, a highly attractive strategy to achieve green, clean and efficient transformations.

• From mutation to disease
  Dr L.H. (Lude) Franke, UMCG – Genetics
  Although genetic risk factors have been identified for countless diseases, in many cases little is known about how these genetic mutations develop into a disease and which biological processes they interrupt. The researchers will use big data to explore this topic.

• The effect of gut microbiota on fat metabolism
  Dr J. (Jingyuan) Fu, UMCG – Genetics
  Gut microbiota and humans enjoy a symbiotic relationship. This project will investigate the effects of gut microbiota on our fat metabolism and the role that genetic variation plays in this process. The research will provide reference points for developing new treatment options based on gut microbiota.

• Unravelling the future of mortality
  Dr F. (Fanny) Janssen, University of Groningen – Demography
  Predicting mortality is crucial to the social security and healthcare sectors, but predictions must be continually adjusted. This research aims to improve mortality prognoses by generating and simultaneously considering new insights concerning trends in smoking, obesity, alcohol use and postponing the ageing process.

• Efficient organic solar cells
  Dr L.J.A. (Jan Anton) Koster, University of Groningen – Photophysics and Optoelectronics (physics)
  Organic solar cells are a promising new type of solar cell. However, commercial success depends on higher efficiency. The researchers will try to find a way to prevent the charge leaking out of these solar cells.

• The importance of export
  Dr C.P. (Chris) Williams, University of Groningen – Molecular Cell Biology
  Exporting proteins from cell compartments is a crucial part of replacing defective proteins and sending out signals. The researcher will use biochemical and microscopic techniques to study the recently discovered peroxisomal protein export system.

• No more heroes
  Dr J. (Joanne) van der Woude, University of Groningen – American Studies
  Seafarers, explorers and Indian chiefs: we like to see them as heroes or villains. But why do we portray them in this way? The research will expose the political benefits of heroes in English, Dutch, Spanish and Nahuatl poetry from Early America.