The Dutch organisation for scientific research (NWO) has announced the new round of Innovation Impulses: subsidies for talented researchers. VENI-subsidies go to young PhDs Astrid Blom (Engineering Technology), Petra Gross (Science & Technology) and Peter-Paul Verbeek (Behavioural Sciences). VICI-subsidies go to professors Suzanne Hulscher (Engineering Technology) and Kobus Kuipers (Science and Technology).
The VENI-, VIDI- and VICI-subsidies, together the ônew-style innovation impulse, honour scientific talent in different stages of their career: VENI is for young PhDs, VIDI for experienced post-docs, and VICI for very experienced researchers who have successfully developed a new research direction. The NWO pays out 70 percent of the money, the rest is contributed by the university. A total of 82 researchers received a VENI this year, 26 a VICI. A round of VIDI-subsidies follows later this year.
Professor Kuipers (Nano-optics) will be subidised to investigate the non-linear behaviour of light in so-called photonic materials.
Professor Hulscher received her subsidy for research into dynamic models of sea and river beds: in what way can these models help water managers? Dr. Blom who is also part of the Water Engineering and Management group, received a VENI-subsidy for research into dunes in the riverbed, which make it difficult to predict high-water levels.
Dr. Gross (Laser Physics) will develop a laser system to strengthen 'mid-infrared radiation', which can provide more informaiton about biochemical processes. Dr. Verbeek (Philosophy) will investigate the morality of things. Do things have morality, and what does this mean for ethics?
