NWO has awarded 149 researchers a Vidi grant. Sixteen promising TU Delft researchers from the domains Exact and Natural Sciences (ENS), Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Applied and Technical Sciences (ATS) have been awarded. Last year, eight Vidi grants were awarded and in this round NWO has been able to grant additional funds to honor more high-quality proposals. This enables NWO to give talented researchers a helping hand in times of cutbacks in research and science. With this Vidi grant of up to 850,000 euros, researchers can further develop their own line of research and start or expand their own research group.
In the ENS domain, seven Vidi-s were awarded to:
Extremal problems in finite geometry
Dr. Anurag Bishnoi, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
Extremal problems lie at the heart of many domains, including geometry and combinatorics. For example, finding the fastest route between two places or determining the densest sphere packing are both extremal problems. Finite geometry studies objects that satisfy axioms of classical geometrical spaces, while being finite. This area has often been a source of extremal constructions in combinatorcs. This proposal aims to reverse that approach by applying novel combinatorial tools to resolve fundamental extremal problems in finite geometry. The proposal also has broader implications, advancing the theory of minimal codes, perfect hashing, and low-rank binary matrices.
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Neuromorphic vision sensors for single-molecule bioimaging
Dr. Kristin Grußmayer, Applied Sciences (AS)
Life is dynamic and everything is in motion. To reveal the mysteries of life, we need to look very closely at the tiny molecules that make up our body and determine how they are moving and interacting with each other. At the moment there is no microscope that can determine those small details fast enough. Researchers will use a new, super-fast and smart camera that sees exactly when something is moving or changing, rather than taking continuous images like a regular camera. This will allow them to make better images at higher speed.
Research page Grußmayer will build on this work from Parisian researchers.
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A next-generation quantum network using coupled quantum emitters
Dr. Sophie Hermans, QuTech/Applied Sciences (QuTech/AS)
Secure online communication and browsing with full privacy? Those are two of the promises of a future Quantum Internet. In this Vidi project, the researchers investigate quantum network nodes based on crystals with impurities. Specifically, two species of rare earth elements, a select group of atoms from the periodic table. As a result of the two-species impurities, the nodes feature multiple quantum bits to establish network connections. With such quantum network nodes, faster and more robust connections can be created. This marks a important step towards practically applicable quantum networks.
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PriXAI: A Paradigm Shift in Explainable AI for Privacy and Decision Support
Dr. Megha Khosla, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
Imagine trusting an AI system to make decisions in healthcare, where mistakes can cost lives. Yet, today-s explainable AI often falls short: not only are its explanations vague or inconsistent, they can also leak sensitive data. PriXAI changes the game. Instead of trying to reverse-engineer how models work, it shifts the focus to when and why we can trust their predictions,providing clear, actionable evidence while preserving privacy. By combining cutting-edge data-centric AI with privacy-preserving learning, PriXAI paves the way for AI systems we can truly trust. This is explainability reimagined, not just for insight, but for action.
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Decoding Metabolic Crossroads in Microbial Nitrogen Cycling for Climate Resilience (DecodeN)
Dr. Michelle Laureni, Civil Engineering & Geosiences (CEG)
The Climate Within Microbial Societies Microorganisms is everywhere, often living in organized communities. These tiny societies can help us, like cleaning wastewater, but they also emit nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. This project uses advanced tools to understand how these communities form and function. The insights will help reduce our impact on the planet and support a sustainable future.
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CAM-code: unravelling the molecular code of synapse formation in our brain
Dr. Dimphna Meijer, Applied Sciences (AS)
Bridging the synaptic gap. Our brains contain billions of neurons that communicate through connections called synapses. These synapses pass signals efficiently from one neuron to another, making complex brain functions possible. However, we still understand surprisingly little about how synapses are formed at the molecular level. In this project, researchers are zooming in on proteins that help neurons form synapses, using state-of the-art microscopy. They will study how these proteins are organized and how disease-linked mutations affect their function. This will help reveal the nanoscale principles that allow neurons to connect and how this process can be disrupted in disease.
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BRITTLENESS: how does fluid chemistry affect the brittle-ductile transition in limestones?
Dr. Anne Pluymakers, Civil Engineering & Geosiences (CEG)
Half of the sedimentary formations consists of limestone. Sustainable subsurface applications (geothermal heat extraction or CO2 storage) all’affect pore fluid chemistry. However, to date deionized water is the most popular fluid for laboratory testing. We urgently need to understand how permeability and seismic potential are affected when fluids in rocks have their natural composition, and are thus more complex than plain water. This experimental project investigates how the chemical interaction between different fluids and limestone changes deformation behaviour, and how we can improve monitoring and predictions of fluid migrations and seismicity using a combination of geophysical and chemical methods.
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Infra-PaX: Navigating ParadoXes from simultaneous digitalisation and sustainability transitions in Infrastructure
Dr. ir. Eleni Papadonikolaki, Civil Engineering & Geosiences (CEG)
Infrastructure owners increasingly adopt digital technologies to improve their operational efficiency. However, integrating digitalisation with national and/or European sustainability objectives is challenging due to energy-hungry technologies. Apart from maintaining high-quality services for users, leaders in infrastructure must balance the demands of digital transformation and environmental responsibility. This study explores strategies that infrastructure leaders can employ to balance the sometimes conflicting goals of digitalisation and sustainability. By analysing leadership approaches within the infrastructure sector and their inter-connectedness, the research offers insights to guide infrastructure leaders through these complex transitions, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to sustainable development and societal well-being.
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BioPump - Biodegradable MEMS implants for heart failure recovery
Dr. Clementine Boutry, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
In the Netherlands, 240,000 people suffer from heart failure, leading to 7,300 deaths annually, ten times the number of traffic fatalities. Recent clinical findings have shown that up to 10% of patients could experience full recovery, thanks to cardiac pumping support devices. But current technologies involve highly invasive surgeries. In this project, we will create new implants entirely made from biodegradable materials, including the sensors and electronics. With this approach, there is no need for a second surgery to take out the implant after heart healing. The ultimate goal is to help more patients recover permanently from severe heart failure.
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Let-s stick together: Keeping copper active during CO2 electrolysis
Dr. Tom Burdyny, Applied Sciences (AS)
This project aims to further develop a new way to convert carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) into valuable products like ethylene, a key ingredient for sustainable materials and fuels. By improving the stability of the copper catalysts used in this process, we can achieve long-lasting and efficient production. This work not only has the potential to offset emissions but also supports the shift towards cleaner energy sources by creating sustainable solutions for industries like aviation and chemical manufacturing.
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THRIVE - Two-phase Hydrogen Regimes and Instabilities under Varying Environments
Dr. ir. Chiara Falsetti, Aerospace Engineering (AE)
A major challenge in hydrogen-powered transport is efficiently transferring hydrogen from storage to the propulsion system. Hydrogen-s unique thermophysical properties, combined with the dynamic conditions typical of transport environments, can lead to uncontrolled evaporation. The resulting two-phase flow (liquid and vapor) and thermal behaviour are chaotic and unpredictable, severely impacting flow delivery and component performance along distribution lines. THRIVE will address this by unveiling cryogenic two-phase flow and thermal phenomena under dynamic conditions, providing the scientific foundation for developing safe, efficient cryogenic distribution systems.
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Breaking BIASmechanics: A New Technology for Rapid Personalization of Musculoskeletal Models Addressing Sex Differences
Dr. ir. Eline van der Kruk, Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Women are not simply smaller men, yet within biomechanics, generic musculoskeletal models, primarily based on male anatomy, are still used for women. A missed opportunity, as these models could provide valuable insights into why certain injuries are more common in one sex and how to prevent overuse. This project develops a novel experimental technique to collect sex-diverse data and create open-source, sex-specific biomechanical models, along with innovative scaling technology to make personalized models accessible outside laboratory settings. These innovations will enhance applications in healthcare, industry, military, and elite sports, thereby optimizing injury prevention and performance analysis for everyone.
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FlooDT - Digital Twin for flood-resilient infrastructure management
Dr. Maria Pregnolato, Civil Engineering & Geosiences (CEG)
Flooding impact on existing infrastructure calls for a new transformative approach to mitigate such consequences. Digital Twins (DTs) is a recent technology intended to establish active, timely connection between a physical object and its virtual representation for decision-making. FlooDT pioneers a new framework that exploits DT to assess flood risk to critical infrastructure assets. Integrating multiple models (hydrological, hydraulic, structural) and data (historical, climate projections, sensor measurements), FlooDT will unprecedently improve prediction of flood-prone structuresbehaviour. Two real-world assets demonstrate the potential of the methodological framework, which ultimately contributes to making our societies safer to floods.
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RADIO Quantum: RApid and DIgital Operations for semiconductor Quantum processors
Dr. Maximilian Rimbach-Russ, QuTech/Applied Sciences (QuTech/AS)
This project aims to design a quantum processor architecture where qubits can be scaled and operated using simple digital control signals. Semiconductor spin qubits are a promising platform to realize a practical quantum computer due to their potential for mass-production using semiconductor technology. However, the construction of a quantum computer is extremely challenging as millions of interacting qubits need to be precisely controlled. To overcome this challenge, we use novel qubits in germanium that can be operated with digital signals at ultra-fast clock speeds. Our innovative approach provides a blueprint for the next-generation quantum processor hardware.
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Not-Just-Water: A multiphase and multiscale approach to strengthen the resilience of hydraulic infrastructure against extreme water events
Dr. ir. Davide Wüthrich, Civil Engineering & Geosiences (CEG)
Extreme events like floods, storm surges, and tsunamis are increasing due to climate change, threatening critical infrastructure. Traditional design methods assume water acts alone, ignoring air-s influence on impact forces. Not-Just-Water challenges this by investigating how air-water mixtures affect loads and structural response. Through innovative experiments and numerical simulations, this project improves load predictions, refines design standards, and ensures laboratory findings can be applied to real-world scenarios. Through collaborations with global experts and local authorities, the research strengthens flood protection strategies and informs international guidelines, making infrastructure safer and more resilient against future disasters.
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Superconducting single Photon detection and Readout with Innovative Nano-heater Technology for Large-Scale detector Arrays (SPRINT)
Dr. Iman Esmaeil Zadeh, Applied Sciences (AS)
Detecting single photons with high precision is crucial for applications ranging from quantum technologies to biomedical imaging and remote sensing. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are the most sensitive detectors available, but scaling them into large, high-speed arrays remains challenging due to complex readout requirements. This project develops a novel SNSPD camera that leverages superconducting nano-heaters, advanced photonic readout techniques, and multiplexing strategies to achieve unprecedented speed and efficiency. The resulting technology will enable applications such as ultra-fast imaging, multi-color LiDAR, and super-resolution microscopy, paving the way for breakthroughs in science and industry.
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NWO Talent Programme
The NWO Talent Programme gives researchers the freedom to pursue their own research based on creativity and passion. The NWO Talent Programme encourages innovation and curiosity. Curiosity-driven research contributes to and prepares us for tomorrow-s society. That is why NWO focuses on diversity in terms of researchers, domains and backgrounds. Together with the Veni and Vici grants, Vidi is part of the NWO Talent Programme.
NWO selects researchers based on the academic quality and innovative character of the research proposal, scientific and/or societal impact of the proposed project and the quality of the researcher.
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