This grant allows recently promoted scientists to spend up to 24 months doing research at a foreign research institution. The amount of funding depends on the chosen destination and length of stay.
Nick Bergkamp receives the grant for his research: Location, location, location.
Extreme growth of heart cells can have harmful effects on the heart. Messages from outside the cell are converted into specific signals in the heart cell, which will lead to growth. He will find out whether the location where the signals originate in the heart cell determines extreme growth.
Neuroscientist Elleke Tissink receives the grant for her research: Brain development during early adolescence: influence of genetic predisposition?
Brain development during early adolescence is important for cognitive, emotional and social functioning. Abnormal developmental patterns may indicate mental health risks. This research uses cutting-edge methods to analyse brain scans and DNA from 10,000 adolescents. By discovering genetic factors that influence brain development, we aim to improve early detection of abnormalities and thus enable better prevention.
Pathologist Birgit Wever receives the grant for her research: Tracking the response to radiotherapy in cancer through blood.
Half of all cancer patients undergo radiotherapy. To improve treatment and reduce side effects, personalised treatment plans are needed. When cancer cells die, they leave DNA behind in the blood. Wever wants to discover whether this DNA can directly show how well radiotherapy is working, so that treatment plans can be better tailored.
Rubicon grant
The grant enables young researchers to do research at a foreign institute that offers the best environment for their research. The amount of funding depends on the chosen destination and the duration of the stay. Per year, NWO and ZonMw can fund around 60 young researchers (for a total amount of around 9 million euros, spread over 3 rounds). The allocations from this post concern the second funding round in 2024.
