Eight Veni grants awarded to young physics talents
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded Veni grants to 155 highly promising young researchers. Eight of the grants were awarded within the field of physics. Two of those applications were considered by the committee for multidisciplinary research.
Innovative research
Veni is part of NWO's prestigious Talent Line programme, which consists of the Veni, Vidi and Vici grants. With the yearly Veni grants, which are worth a maximum of 250,000 euros per person, NWO encourages young scientific talent. The grant allows researchers who have recently gained their PhDs to spend the next three years working on their scientific ideas. This year, NWO invests 38 million euros in the Veni grants.
This year, a total of 1.001 researchers submitted an application for Veni. 155 scientists receive a grant, which results in an award rate of 15,5%. Of the 1001 applications, 535 (53%) were admitted by men and 466 (47%) by women. The chance to be awarded with a grant was 13,9% for women and 16,8% for men.
More information
The complete list with all 155 Veni-researchers can be found here.
Graphene and molecules for quantum computation
Dr. E. (Enrique) Burzuri (m), TUD – Kavli Institute of Nanoscience
Individual magnetic molecules could be used to process information in computers. The magnetic state could be read and written injecting magnetically polarized currents. This research aims at using magnetically functionalized graphene, two-dimensional carbon structures, as electrodes to bring applications closer.
Measuring and regulating fusion reactors
Dr.ir. F.A.A. (Federico) Felici (m), TU/e – Werktuigbouwkunde
Nuclear fusion might be an inexhaustible and non-polluting energy source. In experimental fusion reactors, the most important physical quantities are measured and regulated continuously. This project will develop new methods for measurements and regulation, based on mathematical models, which will lead to more efficient reactors in the future.
Diffusion in colloidal crystals
Dr. L. (Laura) Filion (f), UU – Soft Condensed Matter and Biophysics
By changing the shape and interactions of microscoptic particles, many different crystal structures can be made. Some recently discovered crystals of colloidal particles show surprisingly high rates of diffusion. The researcher will study the diffusion in these systems with computer simulations.
On the origin of time and scale
Dr. S. (Sean) Gryb (m), RU - Theoretical High Energy Physics
This work combines a novel approach to relativity called 'Shape Dynamics' (where scale is emergent) with an exciting conjecture called 'Holography' (where time is emergent) to make new predictions for the early Universe and to understand aspects of quantum gravity.
Spherical mosaics of different tiles
Dr. D.J. (Daniela) Kraft (f), UL – Condensed Matter Physics
To cover a sphere with tiles, you always need a second types of tiles, so called 'defects'. They are important for the mechanical properties of f.i. the Capsid of a virus. The researcher will study the defects and the mechanical properties of mosaics of different tile shapes.
Towards a quantum description of the early universe
Dr. M. (Mercedes) Martín-Benito (f), RU - Theoretical High Energy Physics
Our paradigmatic cosmological model fails to provide a complete description of the origin of the universe. This project aims to incorporate quantum gravity effects to improve our knowledge about the origin of the universe and evolution at its initial stages.
Correcting quantum mistakes
Dr. T.H. (Tim) Taminiau (m), TUD – Kavli Insitute of NanoScience
The physical laws of quantum mechanics allow a new, more powerful way of processing information. Unfortunately, this triggers a high sensitivity for calculation errors. The researcher will show that even these quantum mistakes can be tracked down and corrected.
Supramolecular integrated nonlinear optics
Dr. J. (Jialiang) Xu (m), RU – Molecular Materials
Do photons take places of electrons for future information technology? The development of proper materials with large nonlinear susceptibility is the key. The researcher pursues a supramolecular approach to libraries of nonlinear optical materials as building blocks for integrated nanophotonics.