Vidi grants awarded to 149 talented scientists

This year, research funder NWO has awarded 149 Vidi grants to talented scientists – nearly 50 more than last year.

The scientists will receive grants of up to 850,000 euros. Utrecht University secured the most Vidis: eighteen in total. Researchers at Erasmus University were awarded seven, and Erasmus MC received four grants.

Of the 778 proposals submitted, 19 percent were successful. Women submitted slightly fewer applications than men but had a higher success rate: 21 percent of their applications were awarded, compared to 18 percent for men.

The Vidi grants are part of NWO’s Talent Programme, alongside the Veni and Vici grants. These grants are intended to give researchers the freedom to conduct independent research driven by creativity and passion.

This time, NWO increased the budget to fund more proposals. The aim is to give talented researchers a helping hand in times of cuts to research and science funding.

The selection process consists of two rounds: the pre-proposal and the full application. Researchers first submit a short proposal – most are rejected at this stage. Those who make it through submit a full application, of which about half ultimately receive funding.