Vidi grants are part of the NWO Talent Programme which encourages curiousity-driven research. The Talent Scheme has three funding instruments (Veni, Vidi, Vici) tailored to various phases in researchers' scientific careers: Veni, for researchers who have recently obtained their PhD, Vidi, for researchers who have gained several years of research experience, and Vici, for senior researchers. NWO selects researchers based on the academic quality and innovative character of the research proposal, scientific and/or societal impact of the proposed project and the quality of the researcher.
Dr. Oliver Gurney-Champion, Amsterdam UMC
Taking a closer look at tumors
If doctors can see what happens in tumors on a microscopic level before and during anti-cancer treatment, they can tailor the treatment to the specific tumor accordingly. Tumor microstructure can be studied using a technique called quantitative MRI. However, current quantitative MRI approaches give poor images that are deformed, noisy, blurry, and inaccurate. Oliver will develop a novel artificial intelligence-based approach to quantitative MRI that will produce non-deformed, sharp and accurate images and help clinicians select the best personalized treatments.
Dr. Sarah Derks, Amsterdam UMC – location VUmc
Targeting gastro-esophageal cancer cells to liberate immunity.
Gastroesophageal cancers behave as master repressors of the immune systems which causes poor or no response immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. This project aims to identify the mechanisms cancers use to inactivate approaching immune cells. Sarah will test new immune activating strategies to improve outcome in this disease.
Dr. Joep Grootjans, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC
Abdominal cavity immune cells facilitate cancer cells
Peritoneal metastasized colorectal cancer responds poorly to systemic therapy and therefore carries very high mortality. Joep will investigate if interfering with peritoneal immune cells that facilitate cancer cells will improve response to therapy and, ultimately, patient survival.
Dr. Marij Hillen, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC
Discussing the unknown - an interdisciplinary perspective on communicating uncertainty in health care
Uncertainty is everywhere in medicine, ranging from unclear screening results, through ambiguous diagnosis, to unpredictable treatment effects. Healthcare professionals need to discuss such uncertainties with patients, but lack guidance in how to do so optimally and without harming patients. Marij will map how clinicians can optimally discuss uncertainty with patients in multiple clinical contexts. This will lead to practice recommendations and training interventions to support healthcare professionals and patients in recognizing, discussing, and managing uncertainty.
For more information, contact Cancer Center Amsterdam.