Two Rubicons for physics
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded nineteen young, highly promising researchers funding from the Rubicon programme. Two researchers received the grant in the field of physics: Dr. Daniel Schwarz and former FOM PhD Dr. Jörn Venderbos. With Rubicon, NWO gives Dutch scientists who have recently gained a PhD the opportunity to gain research experience at top international institutes abroad.
The physics talents will both use their Rubicon grant to do research in the United States. Schwarz will work at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Venderbos will go to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both physics laureates will spend a period of 24 months there.
A brief description of both research projects is given below.
Zooming in: nanoscale characteristics of 2D-organic nanostructures
Dr. D. (Daniel) Schwarz (m), University of Twente -> Lawrence Berkeley (US), 24 months
2D-organic nanostructures (such as graphene and organo-metallic networks) are new materials with exciting characteristics. Possible applications can be found in electronics and high-performance catalysts. The researchers will study and manipulate the electronic and magnetic characteristics of these materials at the nanoscale.
Electrons with immunity
Dr. J. (Jörn) Venderbos (m), Leiden University -> Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Physics (US), 24 months
Electrons in materials are often hindered by impurities and contaminants. That impedes their transport and gives rise to energy loss, for example. In topological materials the electrons are protected in a special manner – they are immune to these effects - and these materials are therefore highly attractive for technological applications. Researchers will investigate topological materials in which electrons strongly interact with each other as well.
For the complete list of laureates please see NWO's website.
About Rubicon
For many scientists, experience abroad is an important component of their CV. The size of the grant awarded depends on the destination chosen and the duration of the stay. In this round, NWO received 92 applications for Rubicon. Nineteen of the applicants have now received funding.
Further information
NWO website or contact NWO Information and Communication, +31 (0)70 344 07 41.