Recently, several prestigious prizes and grants have been awarded to our AII members. Learn more about these accomplished individuals and their projects in the article below!
Stairway to Impact Award - Prof. Nina van Sorge
For 15 years, Professor van Sorge has dedicated her research to Group A Streptococcal infections (Strep A infections). Her work is essential in the development of a vaccine for Strep A infections, spanning from mild throat issues to severe conditions like sepsis and puerperal fever. These infections globally claim half a million lives annually, predominantly in developing nations. By receiving the Stairway to Impact Award from NWO (Dutch Organization for Scientific Research), Prof. van Sorge aims to elevate awareness in the battle against Strep A infections. The awarded funds will be directed towards the monitoring of pathogenic bacteria.
The Stairway to Impact Award of the NWO recognizes scientists making effective strides in applying their scientific discoveries to address societal issues and/or contribute economically. The award comprises a sum of €50,000.
Willy van Heumen Prize - Prof. Sue Gibbs
Prof. Sue Gibbs received the Willy van Heumen Prize on December 12th for her lifelong dedication to animal-free scientific research. This prestigious award is presented every 10 years. Prof. Gibbs is acknowledged both nationally and internationally as a pioneer and advocate for animal-free scientific exploration.
In the transition towards animal-free research, the essential principles of the 3 R's are crucial: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of laboratory animal use. The Willy van Heumen Fund actively supports and advances research in this field through a biennial prize and a decennial lifetime achievement award. At the 'Ambition versus Realism' event, Sue Gibbs was honored with this award, presented in the form of a statuette, medal, certificate, and a €15,000 grant, which she is free to spend on research.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant - Prof. Sanders
Prof. Rogier Sanders has been awarded a new $5,000,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to conduct preclinical research on an HIV-1 vaccine. The three-year grant involves collaboration with partners at Weill Medical College of Cornell University (John Moore), the University of Louisiana (Francois Villinger), and Stanford University (Bali Pulendran).
TKI-PPP Grant - Prof. Geijtenbeek and Dr. Bernink
Prof. Theo Geijtenbeek secured €310,776 in subsidy for his research project, TRIM4Health Intracellular Biologicals, focusing on developing new antiviral agents to prevent infections.
Dr. Bernink received €740,600 for his investigation into IL-23 signaling in IBD.
The TKI-PPP subsidy supports collaborative research with industrial partners, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation in Life Sciences & Health (TKI-LSH, also known as Health~Holland).
Watch a video about Prof. Geijtenbeek's research proposal on this website.
KWF Grant - Prof. Kater and Dr. van Bruggen
Professor Kater and Dr. van Bruggen have secured €883,730 for their research on CAR-T cell therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While CAR-T cell therapy, utilizing the patient's own T-cells, has proven successful in aggressive leukemia, its efficacy is limited in CLL. Previous work by Kater and colleagues revealed that leukemia cells detrimentally impact the activation and function of these T-cells. Despite the ability of CAR-T cell therapy or antibodies to enable T-cells in CLL to recognize tumor cells, their division and attack capabilities remain inadequate. Kater and Van Bruggen have identified an alternative activation approach that holds promise for enhancing the success of these therapies. Their objective is to leverage this discovery to develop potent antibody and CAR-T cell-based treatments for CLL and other cancer types where cancer cells adversely influence T-cell activation.
Check out the latest grants and awards presented to our AII researchers:
In the Spotlight: AII Prizes, Grants, and Appointments (November 2023)
Four VIDI-grants for Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity researchers (August 2023)
Five VENI-grants for Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity researchers (August 2023)