Young researchers investigate the world

16 March 2009

NWO is providing 27 young researchers with Rubicon grants for foreign experience in top institutions.

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded Rubicon grants to 27 young and promising researchers. Dutch researchers who have recently gained a doctorate can use the grant to gain research experience abroad. Foreign researchers may undertake research in the Netherlands.

A total of 111 young researchers submitted applications. Once again, a remarkably large proportion of the grants were awarded to female researchers. Of the 51 female applicants, 31 percent were awarded grants, while the comparable figure for the 60 male applicants was 18 percent.

The majority of the successful candidates obtained their doctorates in the Netherlands. Most of the young researchers are going to the USA, after which Great Britain is the most popular destination. Other candidates are starting in Belgium and Canada. The host institutions include Oxford, Harvard and MIT.

Five researchers are using Rubicon to undertake research at Dutch institutions, and four of these are actually from abroad. NWO hopes to attract more foreign researchers to undertake research periods in the Netherlands over the next few years, with a view to extending the circulation of knowledge.

The candidates are receiving the funds for a number of reasons, principal among which is a proven talent in carrying out innovative and pioneering research. The quality of the researcher and the host institution are also taken into account.

The River Rubicon

Rubicon (www.nwo.nl/rubicon) is a fine stepping-off point for the Veni grants. The name is derived from the River Rubicon, the river that Julius Caesar crossed before embarking on his series of victories that resulted in him saying ‘veni, vidi, vici’. Rubicon is intended for researchers who have recently gained their doctorates. This group often lacks the research experience needed to obtain a Veni award.

Dutch institutions offering a year’s accommodation to a foreign researcher receive up to 55,000 euros. Dutch researchers spending between six months and two years abroad receive a payment to defray their expenses, which depends on the destination they choose.

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last modified on 2 April 2009