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.

How does the brain store and retrieve fear memories from the distant past?

Dr. Y.G. Bolsius -> University of Groningen -> Israel -> Weizmann Institute of Science -> 24 months

In my postdoctoral work at the Weizmann Institute of Science, I will investigate large-scale changes in neuronal connections over time to see whether those changes are responsible for the long-term storage of information in the brain. This research will help us to understand the fundamental brain processes underlying memory function

Early detection of inflammatory bowel disease by high-throughput profiling of the human immune system

Drs. A.R. Bourgonje -> University of Groningen and University Medical Centre Groningen -> United States -> Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai -> 18 months

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by aberrant immune activation. The researcher will utilize innovative laboratory methods to identify pre-onset biomarkers by characterizing antibody repertoires at high resolution in individuals who developed IBD later in life. This could enable early-onset medical treatment and provide opportunities for disease prevention.

Shining light on oncogenic protein modifications

Dr. J. Volarić -> University of Groningen -> United Kingdom -> Imperial College London -> 24 months

Cancer-causing proteins (oncoproteins) are modified by the cellular machinery after production, yet the dynamic nature of this process makes it challenging to study. By using lightreactive molecules as tools with precise control in time and space, researchers can investigate the role of oncoproteins in cancer.