Seven consortia with top scientists from various Dutch universities will receive a total of 160.5 million euros. As part of the Gravitation programme, they can carry out pioneering research over the next ten years. Minister Dijkgraaf (OCW) is making this funding available for researchers from one or more disciplines who work together in consortia. This promotes innovation, excellence and international positioning of Dutch research. NWO carried out the selection process for Gravitation.
Psychosis and electricity
Established to stimulate top research in the Netherlands, the Gravitation programme is aimed at scientific consortia that rank among the world's top in their field or have the potential to reach that place. This year, the programme is once again investing heavily in the excellent scientific base from which great innovations can emerge. For example, one consortium will conduct research into the mechanical properties of plants, ultimately to improve crop defences. Another team wants to discover which molecular changes in the brain underlie psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Yet another project will work to radically improve the outlook for patients at risk of blindness. A fourth research project focuses on better understanding the (errors in) protein systems in our bodies that can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cystic fibrosis and haemophilia. Scientists will also work to gain more evidence-based insights into how best to combat crises. The cabinet is also investing in cyber security research and in a research project looking for more efficient ways to deal with electricity.
Minister Dijkgraaf on the importance of Gravitation for the Netherlands: "With investments like this, we ensure that we in the Netherlands remain among the world's scientific top. This not only provides important new insights, but also strengthens our economy. And it brings innovations from which we all benefit. I am proud that we have such scientific talent in our own country. It is not something that can be taken for granted. Truly something to be cherished."
