34 leading scientists receive Vici grants

Vici is one of the largest scientific grants for individuals in the Netherlands and targets advanced researchers. The Vici laureates study different fields of interest. They will examine, amongst others, whether fiction contributes to citizenship and community building. And how to mimic the high-energy efficiency strategy our brains use to process huge amounts of data. Another research project uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop ways to improving the decision-making processes of autonomous robots. Researchers will also investigate how nerve cells and immune cells work together to actively turn off pain after inflammation. This knowledge helps the development of therapies against chronic pain.These are just some of the topics that the laureates cover with their studies. Read the complete list Vici laureates 2022.

Facts and figures

The Vici is awarded annually by NWO. Of the 266 applications, 167 (63%) were submitted by men and 99 (37%) by women. A total of 34 Vici grants were awarded: 18 to male applicants and 16 to female applicants. The award percentages for the Vici round 2022 (awarded in 2023) are thus 11% and 16% respectively.

The Vici grant targets senior researchers

NWO’s Talent Scheme consists of the Vici, Veni and Vidi grants. The Vici grant targets senior researchers who have successfully demonstrated the ability to develop their own innovative lines of research. In doing so, they have also supervised young researchers. Researchers who receive a Vici grant have the opportunity to further develop their research group, often in anticipation of a tenured professorship, if they do not already have one. ZonMw runs the NWO Talent Programme for the Health Research and Development domain.

Click here  for the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Talent Programme, including the male-female ratio.

More information

• Read the full newsitem on the NWO Website