Vici grants for two UG/UMCG scientists

The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Vici grants, worth up to €1.5 million each, to Merel Keijzer and Charalampos Tsoumpas This will enable the researchers to develop an innovative line of research and set up their own research group for five years.

Vici is one of the largest scientific grants for individuals in the Netherlands and targets advanced researchers. The funding instrument enables researchers to pursue research of their own choice. This gives innovative research a boost and encourages the promotion of talent at scientific research institutes.

Prof. Merel Keijzer

The research for which Merel Keijzer has been awarded a Vici grand concerns dementia. Dementia is the greatest public health challenge of our time. Needed to manage it are dementia-friendly spaces and person-centered care. But the current care system is not equipped to serve the group of dementia patients that has seen the steepest increase in incidence numbers: those with a migrant background. This project is the first to detail the language barrier that exacerbates health disparities in dementia care and explore the potential of language strategies and home language therapy to transform dementia care for migrant PWD in their communities, in acute and long-term care.

Prof. Charalampos Tsoumpas

The grant awarded reserach project of Charalampos Tsoumpas focuses on developing innovative image reconstruction methods. The latest generation of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) presents significant opportunities for both research and clinical applications. However, current image reconstruction techniques have yet to fully leverage these advancements. This project aims to lead the development of innovative image reconstruction methods that will dramatically reduce radiation exposure without compromising accuracy or image quality. We will integrate cutting-edge advancements such as artificial intelligence, and quantum entanglement. This initiative will not only deliver a substantially less radiation dose to patients and healthcare personnel but also broaden the scope of PET/CT across a wider range of clinical indications.