Misleading graphs, the erosion of democracy and the weakening of bones as a side-effect of medication. Researchers are starting work on these very topical problems, funded by subsidies from the Leiden University Fund (LUF), and the Praesidium Libertatis I Foundation, awarded on Monday 12 October.
In the US, donating to your alma mater is the most usual thing in the world. But here, too, thousands of Leiden alumni donate funds to teaching and research at their University. Thanks to their support, scientists and academics are able to work on pioneering research in the areas of health, security, sustainability and other societal themes, and talented students and young researchers have the chance to achieve their ambitions.
In a festive and intimate award ceremony, plant scientist Omid Karami received the first edition of the Krijn Rietveld Memorial Innovation Award out of the hands of Wim Klop, Director of the Biotechnology Center at DSM. Several speakers spoke about Krijn Rietveld and why Karami deserves the prize that was named after him. ‘A worthy winner, whose discovery could contribute to less hunger in the world.’
Disruptions to the gut flora can affect our mental health. How could this connection be used to prevent stress-related disorders? This is what psychologist Laura Steenbergen will investigate with the aid of a project grant from the LUF and, on the basis of a partnership between the two funds, the Gratama Foundation.
Once a year the LUF Committee for Academic Expenditure (CWB) awards grants for scientific pro-jects of Leiden University researchers. The grants vary in principle from € 5,000 to € 25,000.
Plant scientist Omid Karami is the first winner of the Krijn Rietveld Memorial Innovation Award. The jury praises the outstanding quality of his scientific research as well as the positive societal impact and commercial potential of his work.
The first annual Snouck Hurgronje Grant for interfaculty research or teaching projects was awarded in 2019. This year, the LUF has decided to combine the application procedure for this grant with the procedure for the LUF Lustrum Grant, which is also intended for interfaculty and socially relevant projects.
This year, for the very first time, the Leiden University Fund (LUF) is offering young talented researchers the opportunity to receive a grant from the Praesidium Libertatis I Foundation. By doing so, the LUF aims to help them (further) develop innovative and original research ideas and thus also to open the door to larger grants.
Scientists at the LUMC are working hard on potential virus inhibitors, antiviral screening and a treatment for COVID-19. SteunLeiden.nl has started a crowdfunding campaign for this research, under the hashtag #wakeuptocorona. Professor of Virology Eric Snijder explains why this is desperately needed.
The LUF has taken the following measures with regard to its subsidy policy as a result of the corona crisis.