22 Vidi grants for Utrecht scientists

Utrecht University (UU) secured the most Vidi grants, closely followed by Delft University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam. Eighteen grants were awarded to UU researchers: seven at the Faculty of Science, six at the Faculty of Humanities, two at both the Faculty of Earth Sciences and the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, and one at the Faculty of Social Sciences. In addition, two Vidi grants were awarded to researchers at UMC Utrecht, and two to researchers at the Princess Máxima Centre.

Of the 778 proposals, 19 per cent were awarded. Women submitted slightly fewer applications than men, but were more successful: 21 per cent were awarded, compared to 18 per cent of applications from men.

The Vidi grants, together with the Veni and Vici grants, are part of NWO's Talent Programme. The grants are intended to give researchers the freedom to conduct their own research based on creativity and passion.

This time, NWO increased its budget to award more grants. In doing so, the funding body aims to “give talented researchers a helping hand in times of cutbacks in research and science”.

The selection procedure consists of two rounds: the pre-application and the application. First, researchers write a concise proposal. Most are rejected in this round. They then write a detailed application. Approximately half of this group received funding.