The interdisciplinary research consortium PRELIFE has been awarded an NWA grant by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) for investigating the origin of life on Earth and in the universe. The consortium will receive €6.7 million to explore this research question, and comprises scientists from sixteen universities and research institutes across the Netherlands.
Two of the work packages are co-supervised by mathematicians from the Department. Renee Hoekzema, a specialist in both topological data analysis and paleontology, will work together with geochemist Mark van Zuilen from Naturalis to develop new mathematical tools to distinguish biological fossils from abiotic features in the rock record to study the earliest life forms on this planet. Mathematical biologist Bob Planqué will collaborate with physicist Patrick Onck from Groningen to study how metabolism and compartmentalisation can emerge in systems of self-replicating molecules.
NWA
A total of nine consortia have received funding for research within the program line “Research along Routes by Consortia” (ORC) of the National Science Agenda (NWA). Each consortium will work on a project centered around a theme from the NWA routes. In these projects, researchers collaborate with knowledge partners and societal organizations.
The foundation for the creation and renewal of the National Science Agenda lies with citizens. In the NWA program, connecting society and science is essential. Governments, researchers, societal organizations, and citizens jointly develop and utilize knowledge to achieve scientific and societal impact. Through science communication, knowledge is shared within society to increase involvement in and trust of science.
More information on the PRELIFE consortium and all the work packages.