Researchers have received Veni funding from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), with 174 promising scientists awarded up to 320,000 euros each to further develop their research ideas over the next three years. This funding supports a diverse array of projects across the spectrum of science, from algorithmic applications in criminal law to exploring the role of gut bacteria in mental health.
The Veni grant, part of the NWO Talent Programme, is targeted at researchers who have recently completed their PhDs. The projects funded cover various subjects, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms in criminal law, the impact of gut bacteria on mental health, and examining the distribution of colonial profits in the Netherlands between 1850 and 1860. This diversity reflects the broad scope of scientific inquiry supported by the Veni grant.
Researchers Awarded Grants Across Diverse Scientific Domains in 2023 Veni Round
The 2023 Veni round has distributed the grants across different scientific domains, with 53 grants awarded in Exact and Natural Sciences (ENW), 69 in Social Sciences and Humanities (SGW), 25 in Applied and Technical Sciences (TTW), and 27 in Medical Sciences (ZonMw). The selection process for these grants involved rigorous evaluation of 1,308 applications, with 669 from men, 573 from women, and 66 from applicants whose gender was unknown. Ultimately, 86 grants were awarded to male researchers, 85 to female researchers, and three to projects with unknown gender.
One notable research project by Dr. MC Barnhoorn at Leiden UMC focuses on Crohn’s disease, which is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. Current treatments primarily aim at inhibiting immune cells in the intestine, but they are often ineffective against complications such as intestinal narrowing. Dr. Barnhoorn’s research investigates changes in the connective tissue between intestinal cells in Crohn’s disease and explores how modifying these tissue cells can promote the production of a healthy matrix, potentially alleviating complications.
Another significant project by Dr. TFS Bastiaanssen at Amsterdam UMC examines the role of gut bacteria in mental health, particularly in depression and anxiety. This research aims to identify specific bacteria involved in these conditions and understand their mechanisms. By building a new database, the study seeks to provide insights into maintaining healthy gut bacteria, ultimately contributing to better mental health outcomes.
In the field of cardiology, Dr. AJ Claringbould at Erasmus MC is developing a new genetic score for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a condition characterized by elevated cholesterol levels from birth. The study aims to predict the health consequences of FH based on genetic background, providing personalized risk assessments and potentially improving treatment strategies for individuals with this condition.
Researchers Focus on Genetic Regulatory Code of Sensory Disorders
For sensory disorders, Dr. SE de Bruijn at Radboudumc is working on cracking the genetic regulatory code of hereditary deafness and blindness. This project seeks to establish a protocol to detect and understand damaging regulatory variants in DNA that are currently excluded from standard genetic analyses. By increasing knowledge of these variants, the research aims to enhance the diagnostic yield for hereditary sensory disorders.
In the realm of neonatal care, Dr. J. Dekker at Leiden UMC is exploring oxygen administration through the placenta to stimulate breathing in preterm infants at birth. This innovative approach aims to improve the oxygen levels in preterm infants before birth, potentially reducing the need for ventilation and resuscitation immediately after birth.
In mental health research, Dr. TJ Dekkers at UMC Groningen is investigating the contextual factors contributing to ADHD in children. The study examines the extent to which diagnosing ADHD leads to decontextualization—attributing problems predominantly to the child rather than the interaction between the child and their environment—and explores ways to counteract these negative consequences.
These projects represent just a few examples of the groundbreaking research supported by the Veni grants. Each project aims to address significant scientific questions and challenges, contributing to advancements in their respective fields and ultimately improving health and well-being.
The allocation of these grants highlights the importance of supporting early-career researchers and fostering innovation across a wide range of scientific disciplines. By providing funding and resources, NWO is enabling researchers to pursue their innovative ideas and make significant contributions to scientific knowledge and societal progress.
Resource: ZonMw, July 17, 2024
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