The fortunate physicists are dr.ir. Arno Smets (Plasma & Materials Processing), who wants to make solar cells more efficient and cheaper by using thin layers of material with silicon and metal nanoparts, dr. Jens Harting (Mesoscopic Transport Phenomena), who conducts research into suspensions such as blood and paint in order to gain a better understanding of diseases and industrial processes, and dr. Folkert Boersma (a PhD from TU/e who now works for the KNMI), who conducts research into the strong greenhouse gas ozone.

KNMI researcher Boersma intends to set up a research group together with prof.dr.ir. Gert-Jan van Heijst (Vortex Dynamics and Turbulence) and part-time professor dr. Hennie Kelder (also affiliated with the KNMI), in order thus to combine the expertise of TU/e and the KNMI. He will continue to work for the KNMI, but will be conducting part of his activities in Eindhoven. Through worldwide satellite measurements Boersma wants to find out how changes in air pollution lead to more ozone and an enhanced greenhouse effect. “At the KNMI we already have a great deal of experience with satellite measurements, but I think that the academic input from TU/e can also add value to the research.”

Except for the three Vidis for Applied Physics, Vidis have been granted to the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Dr.ir. Massimo Mischi (Signal Processing Systems, EE) will use his subsidy for the development of a new imaging method, based on contrast-enhancing echography, which will enable physicians to detect prostate cancer at an early stage. The fifth Eindhoven Vidi winner is dr.ir. Jeroen van Oijen (Combustion Technology, W). He will involve himself with MILD, a clean method for converting sustainable fuels into energy. Earlier Van Oijen was granted a Veni subsidy, the younger brother of the Vidi.

In total NWO granted 89 Vidi subsidies of eight hundred thousand euros (an increase by two hundred thousand in comparison with recent years), intended to build up research groups within five years. Leiden University had the highest score this year, boasting fifteen Vidis, followed by Utrecht University (thirteen). For TU/e this is a good Vidi year; only in 2007 did the university score seven Vidis more. The performance of TU/e over the past ten years has been average, measured with reference to the scope of the university. (TJ)