Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht awarded with twelve NWO Vidi-grants

Three of the studies conducted by Utrecht-based researchers are at the Faculty of Science, two at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance and the Faculty of Geosciences, one at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, one at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and three at UMC Utrecht.

Read more below about the Vidi projects awarded to researchers in Utrecht, or read the NWO press release for the complete overview of awarded Vidi projects.

Faculty of Science

Olaf Perdijk: Metabolites in the first year of life as a key to reducing childhood asthma

“Our airways and gut microbiome develop together. Understanding how they interact could help prevent lung diseases such as asthma.” Dr Olaf Perdijk, Faculty of Science

Allergic asthma is one of the most common chronic lung conditions in children and remains a major public health challenge. Research shows that the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms in our intestines, plays an important role in the development of allergies and asthma. The gut microbiome influences how our bodies process nutrients and can regulate our immune system. It does so partly through the production of molecules that affect the inner lining of the airways, known as the airway epithelium. In young children, the airway epithelium is still developing, which may make it particularly sensitive to these signals. In this project, we will identify and test the underlying mechanisms and the molecules involved, laying the groundwork for the development of new preventive measures.

Xixi Lu: Responsible process monitoring: predictive and intelligent compliance

“I am really looking forward to working with talented and curious researchers. I hope our research can help address urgent real-world challenges.” Dr Ir Xixi Lu, Faculty of Science

Modern work processes, ranging from loan applications to patient care, often involve multiple people and different digital systems. AI is increasingly being used to support certain steps or even carry them out automatically. This makes it more difficult to check whether all procedures are still being followed correctly. Failure to follow procedures can have serious consequences, including risks to patient safety.

With her Vidi grant, Xixi Lu will develop new methods for process mining. She combines advanced data analysis with formal reasoning, while also accounting for uncertainty. This makes it possible to reconstruct what happens in practice and identify potential compliance risks at an early stage. Lu explains: “The aim is to monitor these complex processes more effectively so that we can ensure important procedures are followed, even when AI is used.”

Suzan Ruijtenberg: Visualising and understanding protein synthesis during embryonic development

“Making things visible that no one has ever seen before, in order to better understand biological processes… that is what I enjoy most about research.” Dr Suzan Ruijtenberg, Faculty of Science

Our bodies consist of billions of cells, each with its own characteristics and functions. The role a cell performs depends, among other things, on the types and quantities of proteins it produces. But how do cells ensure they produce precisely the right amount of each protein? Using new techniques and advanced microscopes, Suzan Ruijtenberg will track how individual proteins are produced during embryonic development in living animals. Her aim is to gain a better understanding of how cells regulate protein production. In time, this knowledge could contribute to new medical applications.

“I am incredibly excited to get started on the Vidi project,” says Ruijtenberg. “My team has ambitious plans, and the techniques we are going to develop are extremely challenging, but also super cool. What I enjoy most about research is making things visible that no one has ever seen before, so that we can better understand biological processes. And that is exactly what we are going to do!”

Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance

Katharine Fortin: RESIST: Resistance, armed conflict and international law

“This project will generate groundbreaking doctrinal legal research that will be useful to a wide range of stakeholders.” Dr Katharine Fortin, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance

“I am very excited to conduct research into this highly topical subject, which is crucial for protecting civilians in armed conflicts and supporting responsible defence planning,” says Katharine Fortin. “The project will generate groundbreaking doctrinal legal research that will be useful to a wide range of stakeholders. It will also deliver scientific innovation through layered conceptual work that brings together perspectives from international law, political science and critical theory.”

Through the RESIST project, Katharine Fortin will examine the concept of resistance during armed conflicts from an international law perspective. The research will clarify when and under what circumstances civilians are permitted to resist during an armed conflict, whether individually or collectively, violently or peacefully, and spontaneously or in an organised manner. She will also examine the legal obligations of states that encourage or compel civilians to participate in resistance in the event of an invasion.

The project aims to develop guidelines for a range of stakeholders and decision-makers, including government lawyers, defence planners, humanitarian aid workers and civilians.

Catalina Goanta: MINICONSUMERS: Consumer protection for children in the digital economy

“I am really happy to be embarking on this journey and answering these questions together with a PhD candidate in law and a postdoctoral researcher in computer science!” Dr Catalina Goanta, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance

Children’s online safety is arguably one of the most widely discussed issues in society today. However, the complex question of how children should be able to engage with the internet has been reduced to the issue of access. Legislative responses to online safety, such as social media bans and age verification, reinforce this approach.

Looking at the bigger picture reveals many other legal issues that remain unresolved. How can we adapt legal doctrines concerning children’s legal capacity to the online world? How can we recognise and empower children as consumers?

Through MINICONSUMERS, Catalina Goanta will investigate how European consumer law can reconcile the recognition of children’s active participation in commercial activities with the need to protect them.

Faculty of Geosciences

Philip Kraaijenbrink: Where will Asia’s mountain water come from in the future?

“We still know surprisingly little about exactly where river water in the mountains comes from and how this is changing as a result of climate change.” Dr Philip Kraaijenbrink, Faculty of Geosciences

The high mountains of Asia are a vital source of water for hundreds of millions of people. Climate change is causing snow and glaciers to disappear, while vegetation is expanding further into mountain areas. Plants release water through evaporation and transpiration, affecting how much water ultimately reaches rivers. Yet this increasing vegetation is rarely taken into account when predicting future water supplies.

Through GreenShift, Philip Kraaijenbrink will use satellite imagery and new computer models to investigate how changing vegetation affects the water cycle and at what elevations future river water will originate. The results will help improve predictions of future water shortages.

Dea van Lierop: Accessible cities for all ages (0–100): generational differences in perceived accessibility and ageing in place

“My research focuses on developing and sharing knowledge to transform urban mobility systems into inclusive, equitable and sustainable networks that meet the needs of diverse population groups.” Dr Dea van Lierop, Faculty of Geosciences

Getting to work, school, shops or healthcare facilities is not equally easy for everyone. What is a simple journey for one person can be a challenge for another, particularly for children and older people.

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