There were two Matchmaking events organized by early-career researchers at the UT (21st June) and at the VU (28th June) to brainstorm ideas on the topic ‘Molecules for Society: a VU – UT molecular (life) science challenge’.
During the two lively Matchmaking events, PhD's, postdocs, assistant professors from both institutes met to learn from each other, and discussed the key societal challenges to be addressed by molecular (life) sciences. A few interesting topics were proposed and teams were formed.
These interdisciplinary teams will work towards the development of consortia and grant proposals. The formed multidisciplinary teams will be offered a 3-day Hackathon on location from the 9th till the 11th of October 2024 where these teams will be trained on funding acquisition, consortium forming and project definition. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to prepare, in collaboration with external industrial partners, multiple competitive grant proposals.
About the VU-UT core team
The University of Twente (UT) Molecules Centre and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS) are strengthening their alliance by kickstarting collaborations on molecular research and innovation for responsible and smart societies. This initiative is led by eight researchers at the VU: Marjolein Hoogstraaten, Reggie Bosma, Halima Mouhib and Sofia Moco, and at the UT: Edwin de Jong, Sandra Michel-Souzy, Ivana Lin and Ricardo Pinto Enes Martinho.
Exciting Collaboration Sparks at Matchmaking Events for the VU-UT Molecular Life Science Challenge
In a vibrant display of innovation, early-career researchers from the University of Twente (UT) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) came together for two dynamic matchmaking events on June 21st and June 28th. The focus is “Molecules for Society: a VU-UT Molecular (Life) Science Challenge.”
PhD candidates, postdocs, and assistant professors from both institutions engaged in lively discussions, brainstorming innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges through molecular (life) sciences. Their collaboration led to the emergence of intriguing topics and the formation of interdisciplinary teams.
These dedicated groups are now poised to develop consortia and grant proposals, setting the stage for impactful research. To further empower their efforts, a three-day Hackathon is scheduled for October 9th to 11th, 2024. During this event, teams will receive training on funding acquisition, consortium building, and project definition, all aimed at fostering competitive grant proposals.
Strengthening Ties for a Better Future
This initiative is a joint effort between the University of Twente’s Molecules Centre and VU’s Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS). By promoting collaboration in molecular research and innovation, they are committed to contributing to research into responsible and smart societies. Leading this project are eight dedicated researchers: Marjolein Hoogstraaten, Reggie Bosma, Halima Mouhib, and Sofia Moco from VU, alongside Edwin de Jong, Sandra Michel-Souzy, Ivana Lin, and Ricardo Pinto Enes Martinho from UT.
Stay tuned as these teams embark on their journey to transform ideas into impactful realities!
