Nine Veni grants for young physicists
NWO awarded a Veni grant to nine talented young physics researchers. The nine physicists were part of the 152 highly promising researchers who have recently gained their PhDs and can spend the next three years working on their scientific ideas. A Veni grant is worth a maximum of 250,000 euros and is one of the individual grants from NWO to encourage scientific talent. In total, NWO invests 38 million euros in this round.
Innovative research
Veni is part of NWO's prestigious Talent Line programme, which consists of the Veni, Vidi and Vici grants. With this programme, NWO offers scientists at various stages in their career the possibility to do groundbreaking research. Veni laureates gained their PhDs no more than three years ago and are free to choose their research subject. By allowing this freedom, NWO encourages curiosity-driven and innovative research.
This year, a total of 1.086 researchers submitted an application for Veni. 152 scientists receive a grant, which results in an award rate of 14 percent. Of all the applications, 54,7 percent were admitted by men and 45,3 percent by women. The chance to be awarded with a grant was 13,2 percent for women and 14,6 percent for men. This difference is slightly smaller than it was last year.
More information
The complete list with all Veni-researchers can be found on the NWO website.
Whispers of the Majorana particles
Dr. A. (Attila) Geresdi (m), TUD
Topological quantum computation based on Majorana particles offers an unmatched protection against loosing quantum information by the interaction with the environment. The researcher will build an on-chip radiation detector to catch the quantum noise ('whispers') emitted by these elusive particles and demonstrate the feasibility of topological quantum bits.
Glass transition and crystallization of active colloidal swimmers
Dr. R. (Ran) Ni (m), UvA
Different from passive matter, active matter is capable of converting biological/chemical energy to drive the motion, which produce a variety of strikingly new phenomena. The researcher will study the dynamic phase transition in systems of active matter by using computer simulations, focusing on glass transition and crystallization.
The secrets of ion wind
Dr.ir. S. (Sander) Nijdam (m), TU/e
Gas can be brought to motion with electricity. This is called ion wind, and it can be used in airplane wings or for cooling electronics. The researchers will study the nature of ion wind to lead to innovative applications.
Quantum optics of spins in semiconductor waveguides
Dr. D.O.S. (Danny) O’Shea (m), RUG
A quantum mechanical memory can be used to store optical pulses in a communication network in order to eliminate the possibility of eavesdropping. By using new materials and exploiting new control techniques this research will design and explore a semiconductor-based quantum memory with a robust device-on-chip approach.
The continuous atomic laser
Dr. B.P. (Benjamin) Pasquiou (m), UvA
Atoms are not only particles, but waves as well. That's why we can build an atomic laser, similiar to the traditional light lasers. Recent discoveries have taken away the largest obstacles in the course of building a continuous atomic laser. The researcher will construct such a laser, and use it for accurate measurements.
Investigating the early universe with quantum gravity
Dr. F. (Francesca) Vidotto (v), RU
What was the shape of the universe at the time of the Big Bang? How did the minuscule irregularities form, from which all cosmic structures such as our galaxy arose? The key to answering these questions is quantum gravity, a theory that combines both quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity.
A better divertor for a fusion reactor
Dr. W.A.J. (Wouter) Vijvers (m), FOM-instituut DIFFER
Nuclear fusion could generate clean, sustainable and safe energy on a large scale. The divertor of a fusion reactor is exposed to conditions similar to those on the solar surface. This project will develop an innovative measuring system to monitor the plasma divertor and to tame the plasma.
Nanostructures for Energetic Wisdom (NEW)
Dr. I. (Ilaria) Zardo (v), TU/e
Nanostructures in general and nanowires more specifically are potentially superior to conventional materials for energy conversion. My research will focus on the investigation and engineering of nanostructured materials for thermoelectric applications. My novel approach is based on two main directions: nanowires composites and topological thermoelectric nanostructures.
Monsters unveiled: cosmic rays and dark matter in clusters of galaxies
Dr F. (Fabio) Zandanel (m), University of Amsterdam
How has the universe developed? What is dark matter? I will study these questions using the biggest structures in the universe: clusters. These consist of hundreds of galaxies and with a mass of one million billion times that of the sun they possibly provide the key to the answers.