Six Veni grants for physics talent
NWO has awarded a Veni grant to six young researchers who have recently gained a doctorate in physics. Former FOM postdoc Dr. Amelia Barreiro, former AMOLF PhD researcher Dr. Rutger Hermsen, former FOM postdoc Dr. Vlad Pribiag, Dr. Joris Sprakel, Dr. Wessel Valkenburg and Dr. Floris Zwanenburg have each received 250,000 euros. They can use this grant to do research for a period of three years. A total of 159 young talented researchers received a Veni grant.
Striking talent
In total 965 researchers submitted an application for a Veni grant to NWO this year. The applications were assessed by scientists in the Netherlands and abroad. The Veni researchers are at the start of their career but have already demonstrated that they possess a striking talent for carrying out scientific research. They belong to the international top in their field.
The Veni grant from NWO's Innovational Research Incentives Scheme is one of the most prestigious grants for young researchers. Obtaining a Veni grant constitutes an important step in a scientific career.
A total of 159 researchers have now received a Veni grant. This means that only 16% of the researchers who submitted an application for this round actually received funding. The number of very good proposals that NWO received is much higher.
For further information please see de website van NWO.
Proposals awarded funding
The physics proposals awarded funding are:
Quantum Transport in Novel Heterogeneous Layered Materials
Dr. A. (Amelia) Barreiro (f), Delft University of Technology - Applied Physics
A new method to exploit the wide range of strongly layered materials and to create novel 2D-materials is proposed. It will provide a novel pathway for producing heterogeneous systems, as the layering structure can be used to control the electronic properties.
Evolution in heterogeneous environments
Dr. R. (Rutger) Hermsen (m), Delft University of Technology - Bionanoscience
Spatial aspects can play a vital role in biological evolution. Yet they are often not considered in mathematical models. This research will use mathematics, simulations and experimental data to understand how a heterogeneous environment can influence or accelerate evolutionary processes.
Electrons dance in a line
Dr. V.S. (Vlad) Pribiag (m), Delft University of Technology - Kavli Institute of Nanoscience
Quantum mechanics gives rise to fascinating correlations between particles. The researcher proposes detecting these quantum correlations in a semiconducting nanowire, where the sideways movement of an electron controls the spin.
A closer look at adhesion
Dr. J. (Joris) Sprakel (m), Wageningen University and Research Centre - Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science
Adhesive compounds play a vital role in countless biological and technological situations. This research will determine the limitations of adhesion in order to understand when a sticky surface lets go. High resolution and ultrafast optical microscopy will be used to take a closer look at how this adhesive failure occurs.
The universe: you can't believe your eyes!
Dr. W. (Wessel) Valkenburg (m), Utrecht University - ITF
The universe is expanding and we believe we know the rate at which this is happening. However, as much of the material in the universe is invisible then just how certain can we be about the rate of expansion? This research will determine that level of certainty.
Silicon transistors for quantum computers
Dr. F.A. (Floris) Zwanenburg (m), University of Twente - Nanoelectronics
Transistors lie at the heart of computers. Computers can become even more powerful still if these transistors can perform quantum mechanical calculations. This research will focus on the realisation of quantum bits in a silicon switch that can be manufactured in a manner reasonably compatible with the current chip industry.