The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded biological psychologist Fiona Hagenbeek of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam a Veni grant for her research on how genetic factors and molecular changes contribute to behavioural problems in children.
In the Veni study, Fiona Hagenbeek tries to find out why some children continue to have behavioral problems as they become young adults, while others seem to adapt better. To do so, she uses unique data from two large studies with twins and their families: the Dutch Twin Register and the German Twin Family Panel. By following behavior over a longer period of time and analyzing biological data (such as DNA and molecular characteristics), Hagenbeek will investigate which biological processes play a role in the persistence of behavioral problems.
The main question from the research is: are biological differences a cause or a consequence of these problems? "My research provides new knowledge about how genetic predisposition and biological processes interact in the emergence and persistence of behavioral problems. These insights are important for the future: they help us better understand who is at risk, and form the basis for new ways to identify problems early, prevent them or treat them in a targeted way," Hagenbeek said.
Hagenbeek reacted enthusiastically to the good news: "I had to read the email three times before it dawned on me that I wasn't reading a rejection email. I had prepared for a rejection, it would be the fourth fellowship rejection in six months, and I had already planned out my summer: which fellowships would I try again, which new ones were relevant, and were there open postdoc or assistant professor positions in my field? I have now had time to get over the initial, pleasantly surprised shock. Slowly comes the realization: it worked! I am greatly looking forward to coming back to the Netherlands to begin my Veni project. Without the support of the Department of Biological Psychology, my international collaboration partners in this project, and the training through VU IXA-GO, this would never have been possible."
Veni grant
The Veni grant gives researchers the opportunity to conduct innovative, curiosity-driven research based on their own ideas. The program stimulates creativity and contributes to the development of knowledge essential for tomorrow's society. With a maximum grant of €320,000, NWO supports researchers from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds.
In awarding the Veni grant, NWO assesses the scientific quality and innovative nature of the proposal, the expected scientific and societal impact, and the researcher's qualifications. The Veni is intended for talented researchers who have recently obtained their PhDs and represents an important step in an academic career. Together with the Vidi and Vici grants, the Veni is part of the NWO Talent Program.
