Dr. Amélie Fréal, assistant professor at Amsterdam UMC and researcher at the Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms research programme at Amsterdam Neuroscience, has received a Vidi grant of 850.000 euros from the Dutch Research Council (NWO). With this, she will be able to continue her research on understanding the mechanisms controlling the composition of the axon initial segment.

Neurons in balance

The perception of our environment relies on well-organized networks in our brain. But as our environment is constantly changing, these networks need to adapt to effectively process this information, without getting over- or under-active. Neurons communicate using electrical signals, which are generated in the axon initial segment. Changing the molecular composition of the axon initial segment is a powerful way for neurons to adapt their communication and the overall activity of networks. Fréal’s research aims to understand the mechanisms controlling the composition of the axon initial segment and how it participates in the proper functioning of neuronal networks.

Vidi grant

The Vidi grant is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) Talent programme. It is aimed at postdoc researchers with academic qualities that clearly exceed what is customary and who are transitioning to leadership. The Vidi grant funds scientifically innovative research and gives researchers the opportunity to establish or expand a research group.

Read more about the awarded Vidi grants here.