Vici-grants for three physicists
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded a Vici grant to three physicists. The Vici grant is worth 1.5 million euros per person. The researchers can use their grant to set up their own line of research over a period of five years. In total 31 leading scientists received a grant.
The three physics-related research proposals awarded funding are described below. The complete list with the 31 proposals awarded funding and the associated press release can be found on the NWO-website.
Chromatin Dynamics in Single Genes
Dr.ir. S.J.T. (John) van Noort (m), UL – Physics
Inside our cells, DNA is folded up into a compact structure. The researchers will study the structure of a single gene with nanometer precision, and investigate the effect of this structure on the activity of genes that are influenced by hormones.
Building architectures at the nanoscale
Dr. P. (Peter) Schall (m), UvA – Physics
The design of structures at nanometer length scale promises new materials with exceptional properties. The researchers will assemble complex nanostructures from new nanometer-size building blocks. They will investigate the mechanical and electronic properties of these structures for future materials.
Visible effects of dark matter
Prof.dr. L.V.E. (Leon) Koopmans (m), RUG/Kapteyn Instituut – Astrophysics
The project entails researching the dark matter structure in the universe on small scales. By looking at the lensing effects of these structures, i.e. the way light rays are bent by gravitation, we will get insights in the characteristics of the dark matter particles.
A total of 202 researchers applied for a Vici-grant. To select the best proposals, each proposal was considered by several scientists within the field of the applicant. Committees of leading scientists from a variety of research fields then considered all proposals in respect to each other, and interviewed the applicants about their proposals. To make the selection, the judges consider the quality of the researcher, the innovative character and the scientific impact of the proposal and valorisation.
Vici-grant
The Vici-grant is part of the NWO Talent Scheme. Besides the Vici grant the Talent Scheme has two other grants, Veni for researchers who have recently gained their PhD and Vidi for experienced postdocs.