Awarded Rubicon Grants round 2010-3
Below you will find a list of awarded researchers in alphabetical order and the title of the research project. This is followed by gender, current employment and the host institution (department) where the Rubicon research will be conducted.
From simple associations to complex cognition
Dr E. (Elger) Abrahamse (m) 1979, University of Twente -> Ghent University, Department of Experimental Psychology (BE), 24 months
How aware and calculating are people in real life? Are we masters of our own destiny or are behaviour and thinking automatically controlled? This study seeks to explain seemingly highly cognitive behaviours using automatic learning processes.
The influence of speech directed toward infants on language development
F.W. (Frans) Adriaans (m) 1981, Utrecht University -> University of Pennsylvania, Institute for Research in Cognitive Science (US), 24 months
Adults adjust their speech when they talk to babies. This makes it easier for babies to learn the words of their mother tongue. Computer models will be used to examine how properties of speech are important for language development and how these affect the learning process.
Early sharing of knowledge in optics (Descartes, Gassendi, Mersenne)
Dr D. (Delphine) Bellis (f), Urtrecht University -> Ghent University (BE), 12 months
Important discoveries in optics were made during the first half of the seventeenth century. This study will use correspondence to examine how three important scientists exchanged information with each other and in so doing adapted their theories in this area.
Cancer's fingerprint
Dr P.J. (Paul) Boersema (m) 1982, Utrecht -> Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction (DE), 24 months
Cancer cells secrete proteins that are different from those secreted by normal cells. These proteins form a fingerprint with which you could recognise cancer cells. The researchers will compare proteins that are secreted during different stages in the development of breast cancer.
Bacterial and viral infections: a sweet-and-sour issue
T.J. (Thomas) Boltje (m) 1983, University of Georgia (USA) -> Radboud University Nijmegen, Synthetic Organic Chemistry (NED), 24 months
Bacteria and viruses are able to penetrate the human body by recognising certain sugar molecules. These sugars are used by these pathogens to disguise themselves as the body's own material. This research attempts to turn the tables by finding sugars which can reveal these bacteria and viruses and disarm them.
Balancing work and family
Dr L.L. (Lieke) ten Brummelhuis (f) 1983, Utrecht -> Drexel University, LeBow College of Business (US), 16 months
Every parent knows the challenges presented by combining work and family duties. The researchers will identify the ways in which family and work conflict with each other and the benefits that work and family can provide for each other.
Looking at the penalty kick
Dr M.S. (Matt) Dicks (m) 1982, University of Otago (NZ) -> VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences (NED), 24 months
How do people coordinate their mutual behaviour? Movement scientists will seek the answer by determining how a goalkeeper's eye movements are managed and deceived by the shooter's movements, and thereby simultaneously unravel the mystery behind the penalty kick.
It's a small brain after all!
Dr L. Douw (f) 1983, VU University Amsterdam Medical Center -> Harvard University (US), 12 months
Our brains are a 'small world' network that optimally support both specialised and general functions. Epilepsy patients often have cognitive problems (e.g. loss of concentration) or can develop these after brain surgery done to combat their attacks. The researchers will determine whether the brain networks are correlated with cognition. Moreover, they will apply this knowledge to reduce the risk of postoperative cognitive decline.
Bilinguals who speak and gesture
M.R. (Marcel) Giezen (m) 1983, University of Amsterdam -> San Diego State University, Cognitive Science (US), 24 months
When bilinguals speak in one language, they can't turn off the other language completely. Is this also true if one of the two languages is a sign language? This research examines how spoken language and sign language influence each other during language processing.
Molecular hard drives
M. (Michal) Juriček (m) 1982, Radboud University Nijmegen -> Northwestern University, Mechanostereochemistry (US), 24 months
The purpose of this research is to develop new molecule-based switches for flash memories. Compared to the current generation of silicon transistors, the use of such molecules in electronic properties will lead to a massive downscaling.
Do only healthy birds work together?
S.A. (Sjouke Anne) Kingma (m) 1982, Radolfzell (DE) / University of Groningen -> University of East Anglia, Department of Biological Sciences (GB), 24 months
In some species, individuals who spend some time helping with the raising of others' young are later more successful than non-helpers. Nonetheless, many individuals make no effort at all. This project will show whether physical condition determines whether an individual helps or not.
Moving as many, surviving as one
Dr H.J. (Henjo) de Knegt (m) 1980, Wageningen University and Research Centre -> University of Helsinki, Metapopulation Research Group (FI), 24 months
The movement of individual organisms through a heterogeneous landscape determines the dynamics of the entire population. In this study I will analyse the interplay between landscape and movement by individuals, and its impact on the dynamics of populations.
Faster transport of charge and energy by molecules
A.A. (Aleksey) Kocherzhenko (m) 1983, Delft University of Technology -> University of California, Berkeley, Chemistry (US), 24 months
Electronic components made from plastic are slowly but surely becoming reality. In this project, models will be developed to improve the understanding of charging and energy transport in molecular materials, with the ultimate aim of making more efficient organic electronics.
Crumpled skins as a model system for viruses
Dr D.J. (Daniela) Kraft (f) 1983, Utrecht -> New York University, Center for Soft Matter Research (US), 24 months
Viruses consist of genetic material wrapped in a protective protein skin. Although viruses differ in number and in the properties of their building blocks, their spherical protein skins appear very similar. The scientists will look for a physical cause for this by studying the crumpled shells of nanoparticles.
Spintronics to the third dimension?
Dr R. (Regis) Lavrijsen (m) 1980, Eindhoven University of Technology -> University of Cambridge, Thin Film Magnetism (GB), 18 months
When nano-devices use not just the electronic charge (electronics), but also the spinning motion of electrons, we call this spintronics. Until now, all spintronic nano-devices were flat (2-dimensional). This research focuses on the use of spintronics in the vast space above and below this.
Looking for interactive patterns in databases
Dr M. (Matt) van Leeuwen (m) 1981, Utrecht -> Catholic University of Leuven, Machine Learning (BE), 24 months
Computers can be used to search for patterns in databases. While this is done without user intervention, this leads to many redundant and uninteresting patterns. This study examines how interaction with the user can improve the results.
Learning by simulating the environment
Dr D.L. (David) Mann (m) 1977, University of New South Wales (AU) -> VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Kinesiology (NED), 24 months
In virtual reality, people are immersed in a simulated environment. It's becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives. Motion study scientists research whether learning to move in virtual reality can also allow improvement in motion in the natural environment.
Messages from the Big Bang
P.D. (Daan) Meerburg (m) 1981, University of Amsterdam -> Princeton University (US), 24 months
Some 13 billion years ago, shortly after the Big Bang, conditions existed that we can hardly simulate on earth. However, we can find out how nature behaves under these special circumstances by using the oldest light in the universe, so-called cosmic background radiation. By studying this light carefully, it may be possible to unravel the mysteries of the big bang.
Rejuvenation of the old brain
Dr J. (Jinte) Middeldorp (f) 1981, KNAW-NIN/University of Amsterdam -> Stanford University, Neurology & Neuroscience (US), 24 months
Old brains contain stem cells but these generate few new nerve cells (neurogenesis). However, nerve cells are lost, worsening cognition. The researchers will analyse the effect of molecules from blood on brain stem cells in order to stimulate neurogenesis and thereby rejuvenate the brain.
Social networks in (slow) motion
Dr N.M. (Nienke) Moolman (f) 1980, University of Amsterdam -> University of California, San Diego, Education Studies (US), 24 months
Teachers share information and knowledge about educational reforms in their social network at school. But how do their social relationships affect daily teaching practice? The researchers examine how changes in social networks contribute to the success (or failure) of educational innovations.
I spy, with my little eye
M.C. (Marieke) Mur (f) 1983, Maastricht University -> Cambridge, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (UK), 24 months
Human perception is flexible: we can categorise the same visual objects in different ways. Flexibility arises by focusing on object properties that are relevant in a given context. This project explores the brain mechanisms underlying this.
The next step in the fight against breast cancer
M. (Micah) Nethe, MSc (m), University of Amsterdam -> University of Virginia (US), 24 months
This project will focus on one of the major subtypes of breast cancer: HER2 overexpression. Overexpression of the HER2 protein occurs in 25 to 30 percent of cases of breast cancer. HER2 is a protein that directs a cell's various survival and organisation signals. An elevated concentration of HER2 therefore leads to disruption of normal cell signalling, thus stimulating the development of breast cancer. The results obtained could lead to important new insights and strategies for countering the development of HER2-type breast cancer.
Exciting saliva in parents and babies
Dr D. (Dorothee) Out (f) 1983, Leiden University -> Johns Hopkins University, Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research (US), 24 months
The enzyme α-amylase in infants' saliva provides unique information about how they deal with stressful situations. The researchers will collect saliva from infants during a visit to the clinic and will analyse how the parenting influences stress regulation in babies.
Get ready for attack!
Dr S.J. (Sytse) Piersma (m) 1980, Leiden University -> Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Rheumatology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (US), 24 months
Virus infections and cancer cause recognition flags to appear on the cell surface. 'Natural killer' cells are able to attack unhealthy cells by using these flags. The researchers will shed light on why the flags appear on the cell surface.
Cell division under the microscope
Dr M. (Marvin) Tanenbaum (m) 1980, University Medical Center Utrecht -> UCSF San Francisco, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (US), 24 months
Every day, millions of new cells are made in our bodies. These new cells are created using nano-motors. This research will investigate these motors and how they contribute to the production of new cells.
Antennae for hidden information
K.J. (Klaas-Jan) Tielrooij (m) 1981, AMOLF / University of Amsterdam -> ICFO (ES), 24 months
The capture of light particles (photons) from light sources that emit particles one by one is currently inefficient and difficult to control, and information is often lost: special (quantum mechanical) photon states are not preserved. We will capture this hidden information with new antenna technology.
Brain tumours take healthy neighbouring cells hostage
Dr K.E. (Kristan) van der Vos (f) 1981, Utrecht -> Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology (US), 24 months
Brain tumours manipulate their environment by secreting fatty vesicles that contain the tumour's genetic information and that are then absorbed by healthy cells. This research will look at how this information changes healthy cells and has them produce growth substances for the tumour.
Tinkering with memory cells
Dr G.J.W. (Rianne) van der Windt (f) 1981, University of Amsterdam -> Saranac Lake, Trudeau Institute, Immunology (US), 24 months
The success of vaccination depends on the formation of memory cells. Recently it was discovered that a change in cell metabolism is crucial for them to become memory cells. The researchers will look at how exactly this works and whether manipulation of metabolism can help improve vaccinations.
How flatworms repair themselves
Dr J.C. (Josien) van Wolfswinkel (f) 1978, Hubrecht Institute / Utrecht -> Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research (US), 24 months
Our body heals itself constantly. A cut, for example, repairs itself. But we can't repair a severed head. Flatworms can repair any kind of damage. The researchers will study how that works and how the worm knows which body part it must regenerate.