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Four talented scientists from Amsterdam UMC have been awarded a Vidi grant of up to 850,000 euros by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). This funding enables them to develop innovative research lines and build their own research groups. We are extremely proud to share that three of the four scientists awarded with a Vidi Grant are part of the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AI&I).

The three AI&I researchers awarded Vidi grants highlight the diversity of research within our institute, covering topics from chronic inflammatory bowel disease and superbug gonorrhea to the immune system's role in cardiovascular disease.

Jochem Bernink (left) - From Intestinal Inflammation to Healing with Tuft Cells

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a major global health issue with limited treatment options. A central challenge is the inadequate healing of intestinal wall damage. Researchers recently identified tuft cells, a type of intestinal cell vital for restoring the intestinal wall post-injury. Tuft cells leverage immune system signals to activate healing. Jochem Bernink’s research will explore how the immune system and tuft cells collaborate to repair the intestinal wall and how this process may be disrupted in IBD. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies for chronic gastrointestinal inflammation.

Janneke Heijne (middle) - Gonorrhea Superbug: Preventing Resistance and Spread

Why are antibiotics losing their effectiveness? Janneke Heijne is investigating this question through gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection increasingly resistant to most antibiotics. Her research uses mathematical models on the development of antibiotic resistance, backed by lab experiment data and information from sexual health and treatment centers. These models aim to pinpoint the most effective ways to minimize superbug development and prevent its spread.

Jeffrey Kroon (right) - Endothelial Cells: Key Gatekeepers of the Immune System in Cardiovascular Disease

This project examines the critical role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease. Jeffrey Kroon’s research focuses on how the immune system regulates itself through changes in blood vessel cell function. Endothelial cells, the “gatekeepers,” can either promote or suppress inflammation, providing an opportunity to enhance our immune system’s response. The goal is to identify more effective treatments for cardiovascular disease.

NWO Talent Program

The Vidi grant, awarded annually by NWO, supports talented researchers who have already conducted successful postdoctoral research with a focus on innovative research. The Vidi is part of NWO’s Talent Program, together with Veni and Vici grants.