How does AI make its decisions? How can T-cell therapy treat cancer? What are effective prevention strategies for anxiety and depression in young people? How do we develop laptop batteries that charge in a minute? These are four of the forty-three research projects of scientists who have received a Vici grant. Each researcher receives a maximum of one and a half million. The grant is an incentive for adventurous, talented, and groundbreaking researchers.
With the Vici grant, researchers can develop an innovative research line and expand their research group over the next five years. Vici is one of the largest personal scientific awards in the Netherlands and is aimed at advanced researchers. The funding instrument allows research of the researchers choice. This gives innovative scientific research a boost.
From Stem Cell to Climate Research
The scientists are researching a variety of topics. What are the different meanings of climate change among people? Group interviews and quantitative methods are expected to provide more insight into this. These insights can then help develop more legitimate, inclusive, and effective campaigns and policies.
Another study looks at different movement patterns of sperm cells and how they interact with an egg cell. A better understanding of these processes can lead to improved reproductive technologies and contribute to the development of male contraceptives.
How can stem cells save kidney development in premature children? Each year, more than 11,000 children are born prematurely in the Netherlands. The kidneys are not fully developed yet but have to start working suddenly, which can cause kidney damage. To prevent this, researchers will investigate whether stem cells can save kidney development and if medications can prevent kidney damage.
See all Vici laureates and their research projects here
Facts and Figures
The Vici grants are awarded annually by NWO. There were 369 pre-applications submitted (140 by women and 229 by men). Of these, 130 applications were submitted (48 by women and 82 by men), 43 of which were awarded (16 to women and 27 to men). The award percentages compared to the number of pre-applications submitted for the Vici round 2024 are thus: 11 percent for women (16 of 140) and 12 percent for men (27 of 229). Compared to the number of applications submitted, the award percentage is 33 percent for women (16 of 48) and 33 percent for men (27 of 82).