The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Vici grants to promising researchers from across all scientific disciplines, including an AGEM researcher. This year, 39 distinguished scientists have been awarded this NWO grant, including 1 AGEM esearcher, selected from a total of 384 applications. Each researcher is awarded a maximum of 1.5 million euros. They have been awarded this Vici grant to carry out an innovative research project over the next five years. Congratulations to the AGEM researcher for receiving this grant!
Jeroen den Dunnen
Unraveling and treating post-acute infection syndromes
Post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) develop after an infection and can cause symptoms lasting months to years. Examples include post-COVID, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), and Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS). Patients experience severe fatigue, memory and concentration problems, and sleep disturbances, leaving many unable to work. Worldwide, hundreds of millions of people are affected, yet reliable diagnostic tests and effective treatments are lacking.
This research investigates whether the immune system mounts an abnormal response and begins attacking the body’s own cells. Blood samples will be analyzed to identify specific autoantibodies that may drive disease. These insights could lead to new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies.
The NWO Talent Programme gives researchers the freedom to pursue their own research based on creativity and passion. Vici winners receive up to EUR 1.5 million. The programme encourages innovation and curiosity. Curiosity-driven research contributes to and prepares us for tomorrow's society. That is why NWO focuses on a diversity in terms of researchers, domains, and backgrounds. Together with the Veni and Vici grants, Vidi is part of the Talent Programme. Read more on the NWO website.