Rubicon grants for two UM researchers
Lilian Kloft and Min Wu, both affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN), have been awarded Rubicon grants by research funder NWO. This grant gives promising early-stage scientists the opportunity to gain international research experience. A total of 15 scientists will receive grants in this award round.
Lilian Kloft will conduct research on benzodiazepines at the Universität Bonn (D). These drugs are widely prescribed and used recreationally, but abuse can impair cognitive functioning and lead to criminal behaviour. This project uses eye movement measurements to investigate the relationship between benzodiazepines, attention, and true and false memory of a simulated crime. Lilian will make extensive use of virtual reality in her studies.
Min Wu will work in Oxford, UK, on the possible recovery of motor function after experiencing a stroke. Worldwide, millions of stroke survivors suffer from movement problems, which affect activities of daily living. Min will develop an innovative and individualised, mechanistically informed approach to brain stimulation to improve stroke rehabilitation and test its effects on motor function and neurotransmitters.
Rubicon
The Rubicon grant enables young scientists to conduct research at a foreign institute that offers the best environment for their studies. The amount of funding depends on the chosen destination and the duration of the stay. Per year, NWO and ZonMw can fund around 60 young researchers within Rubicon (for a total amount of 7 million euros, spread over 3 rounds). The allocations from this post concern the first funding round of 2023. In this round, 2.4 million euros were distributed. Out of 44 applications, 15 were awarded. All laureates from this round leave for the maximum allowed 24 months.
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