Vidi grant awarded to four members of the Utrecht Young Academy
The Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) awarded four Vidi grants to members of the Utrecht Young Academy. In the upcoming five years they will develop their own, innovative research track and research group. Vidi grants are awarded to experienced researchers who have conducted successful research after obtaining their PhD.
Dr. Laura Filion: Birth of a crystal nucleus
The transformation from a liquid to a crystal starts with the spontaneous formation of a tiny crystal nucleus. In order to improve our control over this process, the researcher will develop computer algorithms to explore how hidden structure in the liquid can be controlled to guide the nucleation process.
Dr. Annemarie Kalis: Self-control or just self-manipulation?
Most people have disappointingly low willpower. Are nudging and self-manipulation by means of smart tricks the only strategies left? This project will develop a situated account of self-control, and will show how we can exercise genuine self-control by shaping our own action space.
Dr. Daniel Oberski: A validity sieve for digital traces
Everyone leaves behind digital traces, which social scientists would like to use to investigate their theories with. But discovering valid measurements in this sandstorm of data has proven to be a major obstacle. This project develops innovative statistical methods that work as 'validity sieve' for digital traces, enabling novel social-scientific research.
Dr. Francien Peterse: What is the impact of climate change on monsoon precipitation?
Climate models predict that global warming will lead to increased monsoon precipitation. However, instrumental records indicate that the strength of the Asian monsoon is actually weakening. This applicant will determine the influence of temperature change on monsoon precipitation based on climate shifts in the past.