We are excited to announce that two projects from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Amsterdam have received funding in the UvA Fonds Impact Call 2025. Led by Marissa Harmsen (AR&D-affiliate) and Jana Runze (APH & AR&D-affiliate), these innovative research projects aim to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing society today, issues that impact the lives of women and children in the Netherlands and beyond.
The UvA Fonds Impact Call is designed to support early-career researchers with high-impact, interdisciplinary projects that tackle major societal challenges. Through this funding, the UvA Fonds seeks to empower researchers to develop groundbreaking solutions that will have real-world, lasting effects on health, sustainability, and well-being. By providing financial support, the Impact Call nurtures creativity, collaboration, and innovation, helping to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that can improve lives. Keep reading to find out how two researchers are shaping the future with their funded projects!
Marissa Harmsen - What women want – Developing hormone-free treatments for menstrual disorders
In the Netherlands, women live, on average, nine years longer than men, but unfortunately, they experience a lower quality of health during those years. Menstrual disorders, which often begin at the onset of puberty, can lead to frequent absenteeism from work and school, hindering women’s educational and career opportunities. Traditional treatments, such as the contraceptive pill and intrauterine devices (IUDs), offer symptom relief, but they often come with significant side effects.
In her groundbreaking project, Marissa Harmsen is developing a hormone-free treatment that aims to relieve these symptoms without the harmful side effects. The research is exploring innovative drug delivery methods, such as targeted therapies that apply the treatment directly to the uterus or vagina. The goal is to create a safer, more effective solution for menstrual disorders that can reduce the need for invasive treatments like surgery.
By conducting an acceptance study in collaboration with organizations like WomenInc, the Endometriose Foundation, and AVA, Marissa will gather valuable insights into women’s preferences. This will help shape the future of treatments, ensuring they meet women’s needs and preferences for both therapeutic and preventive use.
Jana Runze - Intergenerational transmission of mental health problems
Mental health challenges are on the rise among Dutch youth, and children of parents who struggle with mental health issues are at an increased risk of developing similar problems. However, the processes through which mental health issues are passed from one generation to the next are not yet fully understood.
Jana Runze is leading a pioneering study to explore the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems. Using advanced research techniques, her team will examine how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the spread of mental health issues across generations. Additionally, the research will focus on identifying protective factors that can help shield children from developing mental health problems, providing essential insights for preventative strategies. This project takes a unique approach by involving young people with lived experience in interpreting the results and creating practical tools for mental health professionals and policymakers. By developing strategies to prevent mental health issues and foster resilience, Jana’s work will have a direct and meaningful impact on future generations.
Why the UvA Fonds Impact Call matters
The UvA Fonds Impact Call 2025 isn’t just about funding research; it’s about supporting projects that make a real-world difference. The selected projects have the potential to revolutionize key areas of healthcare, from improving the health of women to transforming the mental well-being of children. The Impact Call is open to all early-career researchers with innovative ideas that address societal challenges. The UvA Fonds offers the opportunity to turn your research into action, collaborate with key stakeholders, and create lasting change.
If you have an interdisciplinary project that can make a real difference in society, we encourage you to apply for the next UvA Fonds Impact Call. This is your chance to take your research to the next level, gain funding, and be part of a community of change-makers working towards a healthier, more sustainable world.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As the laureates of this year’s Impact Call prepare to share their results at the Dies celebration in January 2025, we look forward to seeing even more innovative projects take shape in the years to come. The UvA Fonds continues to support research that’s not just academic, but has a direct impact on society’s most urgent challenges. So, if you're a researcher with a transformative idea, stay tuned for the next round of the Impact Call and start planning your project today!