APH researchers Elsje van Bergen, Marij Hillen and Joreintje Mackenbach have been awarded with a VIDI-grant, by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). This VIDI grant, which can be up to 800,000 euros, is intended for talented researchers who focus on innovative research and who have been conducting successful research for a number of years. This will enable the researchers to develop an innovative line of research over the next five years and further expand their own research group.
Elsje van Bergen, Marij Hillen and Joreintje Mackenbach Elsje van Bergen, Marij Hillen and Joreintje Mackenbach

Growing up among bright books and generous genes

Dr. E. van Bergen, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Does your child read well because you have read to them, or because you have passed on beneficial genes? And do your genes influence how much you read to your child? A psychological scientist will study in parents and children how genes and the home environment influence educational achievement. To discover which factors influence how children learn and progress, she will offer families access to online literacy and math games designed to boost learning.

Discussing the unknown - an interdisciplinary perspective on communicating uncertainty in health care

Dr. M.A. Hillen, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC

Uncertainty is everywhere in medicine, ranging from unclear screening results, through ambiguous diagnosis, to unpredictable treatment effects. Healthcare professionals nowadays need to discuss such uncertainties with patients, but lack guidance in how to do so optimally and without harming patients. This project will map how clinicians can optimally discuss uncertainty with patients in multiple clinical contexts. It will result in practice recommendations and training interventions to support healthcare professionals and patients in recognizing, discussing and managing uncertainty.

Prevention of obesity: from failure to success

Dr. J.D. Mackenbach, Amsterdam UMC – location VUmc

The current approach to obesity prevention is failing. One important but underexposed reason is that public health interventions aimed at reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods are diametrically opposed to commercial strategies aimed at maximizing the sales and consumption of unhealthy foods, and policy makers are reluctant to intervene. In this project, researchers will unravel the ways in which commercial companies influence whether or not effective obesity prevention policies such as a sugar tax are adopted, and identify the conditions under which governments opt for stricter obesity prevention policies.

Read the full release on the NWO website.