NWO has awarded Veni grants to 205 promising researchers across all science domains. This funding will allow laureates to use this funding to further develop their own research ideas in the next three years. ACS researcher Sean Jurgens is one of the laureates.


Sean Jurgens
‘Enhanced genomic prediction of heart disease through function-informed super learning'

Heart disease remains a leading cause of illness and death. Genetic information can help identify people at higher risk of heart disease. However, current tools capture only part of a person’s true genetic risk and work poorly for people with non-European backgrounds. In this project, researchers will use smart statistical approaches to build genetic prediction tools that are more accurate and more fair. The project aims to support better prevention and more responsible future use of genetics in healthcare.

NWO Veni grant

Veni, together with Vidi and Vici, is part of the NWO Talent Program. Veni is aimed at excellent researchers who have recently gained their doctorates. Within the Talent Programme researchers are free to submit their own subject for funding. In this way NWO encourages curiosity-driven and innovative research. NWO selects researchers based on the quality of the researcher, the innovative nature of the research, the expected scientific impact of the research proposal and opportunities for knowledge utilization. An overview of all laureates of this year can be found on the NWO website.