While doing research, one can sometimes run into unexpected results. Even though it was not part of the research plan, you still want to do something with is. In order to explore these results nevertheless, eleven projects will receive a small top-up grant of maximum 30,000 euros. Christiaan Vinkers, Professor of Stress & Resilience at Amsterdam UMC (APH and ANS), and Nanon Labrie, Assistant Professor Language & Health Communication at VU Amsterdam (APH), are among the receivers of this grant.

With this extra budget researchers can create a societal impact. Knowledge utilisation is important for modern science, but is being considered difficult in practice. When sudden opportunities arise, it is beneficial for society if they can be seized. Knowledge utilization increases the chance of societal impact of research and is therefore an important part of NWO's strategy.

The grant is intended for activities to validate the potential societal impact of discoveries from more curiosity-driven research, from the Talent Line and Open Competitions of both NWO and ZonMw and to explore a route towards it. A total of 1 million euro is available for small grants between 20 and 30 thousand euros. A concise procedure will be used during the application process.

The awards for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc are:

Channeling knowledge and expertise on childhood trauma - Christiaan Vinkers

Childhood trauma (CT) increases lifetime risk of mental and physical symptoms. Extensive literature review and consultation with patient representatives, part of a VIDI project, yielded new information about long-term biological and psychological consequences of CT and about resilience after CT. However, this information is not available to everyone. Current online information on CT is fragmented regarding causes and consequences, lacks information on resilience and often a solid scientific basis. The current project plan is to shape a platform with objective and accessible knowledge on CT. This is a first step to unite Dutch parties that value CT prevention and treatment.

MAnaging the GAp between Scientific Insights/Societal Impact in NEonatal care (MAGASINE) - Nanon Labrie

Preterm infants (6.6% Dutch births) often receive complex care in the neonatal (intensive) care unit (NICU). In the NICU, parents continually communicate with their infants’ healthcare professionals. The IMPACT-project has shown that this communication strongly affects care outcomes. Think of (long-term) parental stress, medical knowledge, and satisfaction. But also: professionals’ job satisfaction and burnout. These results have resulted in the NICU Communication Framework, which has been published in scientific journals. Together with Impact Partner Care4Neo, I now want to share these findings with professionals and parents, by developing a unique glossy magazine about the importance of communication in neonatal care.

For the full list of awards, please read the NWO news article.