Two senior researchers from the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC) have been awarded a Vici grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).
Professor Marc Bonten from the division of internal medicine and the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care and Dr. Nick Ramsey from the Brain Division have received the maximum possible amount of 1.25 million euros intended for senior researchers in order to set up their own research group.
Marc Bonten is studying the dissemination of bacteria that are no longer sensitive to antibiotics. This is done with the help of mathematical models. This research will help to reduce the worldwide problem of resistant bacteria that is currently still on the increase.
Nick Ramsey is conducting research into techniques for helping people to operate computers and assistive devices through sensors in the brain. In order to do this, the people concerned only have to think of certain movements. This technique is particularly useful for people who have lost the ability to move and/or to speak due to disease or an accident.
The Veni, Vidi, and Vici grants are grant forms awarded by the NWO renewed Innovational Research Incentives Scheme. The Veni grant is for researchers who have just gained their doctorates. The Vidi grant is for researchers with several years of postdoctoral experience.
The Vici grant is intended for experienced researchers who have successfully demonstrated that they can develop their own innovative line of research. The scientists mentioned here belong to the best ten percent in their respective fields of research. Each Vici researcher has been awarded 1.25 million euros. With this amount, the researchers must set up and develop their own research group. In total, the NWO has awarded 30 Vici grants in this round. Of these, 8 have been awarded to the University of Utrecht including the above 2 for UMC.
For more information please contact: University Medical Center Utrecht, department of internal and external communication, Annette Aarts and Linda Minnen, tel. 088 75 574 83.