The Dutch Research Council (NWO) awarded Veni grants to AMOLF postdocs Eline Hutter (Hybrid Solar Cells group) and Sven Askes (Nanoscale Solar Cells group).
Semiconductor of the future
Eline Hutter will use the grant to study metal halide perovskites (MHPs), which are expected to replace commercial semiconductors in several applications, such as solar cells, X-ray detectors and LEDs. However, some properties of MHPs remain unclear. In this project, Hutter will develop an experiment to unravel these properties, which will be vital for optimizing the envisioned applications.
“Hot” electrons to improve light-to-heat anticancer therapy
Gold nanoparticles heat up and destroy tumors when illuminated with red light. Sometimes, the light can instead lead to chemical reactions that are induced by “hot” electrons from the nanoparticle, which can also cause cell death. Sven Askes uses zirconium and hafnium nitride nanoparticles to increase the amount of hot electrons and develop a combined therapy.
About the grants
This year, a total of 166 researchers receive a Veni grant with a maximum of 250.000 euros. The Veni grants are individual grants from NWO to promote scientific talent. They allow researchers who have recently obtained their PhD to conduct independent research and develop their ideas. NWO thus encourages curiosity-driven and innovative research.
Veni is part of NWO’s Talent Scheme (Veni, Vidi and Vici) aimed at different career phases of scientists.
