Two NWO Veni grants for Zernike Researchers

Loredana Protesescu and Malgorzata Wlodarczyk-Biegun have each been awarded a Veni grant worth up to 250000 Euros. The Veni grant allows scientists in the first years after obtaining their PhD degree to work on their own research ideas. Dr. Protesescu will work on nanomaterials for energy technologies and Dr. Wlodarczyk-Biegun on printing of complex structures for musculoskeletal repair.

Nanomaterials for energy technologies
Dr L. (Loredana) Protesescu, RUG - Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials

The latest revolution in materials for optoelectronics such as solar cells and light emitters has two drawbacks: the materials contain lead, which is toxic, and they are not very stable. Researchers will develop novel materials without lead and include a smart nano-encapsulation that protects the materials without diminishing its functionality.

Printing of complex structures for musculoskeletal repair
Dr M.K. (Malgorzata) Wlodarczyk-Biegun, RUG - Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials

Healing of injuries in patients is particularly difficult in the areas where different tissue types are in contact, for example soft muscle and hard bone. This work utilizes the newest 3D printing technique to reconstruct these complex body zones.

More information on the 2019 Veni grants including all 166 laureates is available at the NWO website.