The alignment of galaxies
Dr. N.E. (Nora Elisa) Chisari, Utrecht University
Galaxies, like oceans, are sensitive to tides, but on a very large scale. By studying the 'tides' in the universe, Chisari wants to find a wealth of information about how our universe originated, what it is made of and how galaxies were formed.
Quiet mirrors to discover our universe
Dr. J. (Jessica) Steinlechner, Maastricht University
Steinlechner will develop new coatings for the mirrors of gravitational wave detectors. This will make the mirrors less affected by heat and better able to pick up signals from colliding black holes.
All good things comes in threes, also gravitational waves
Dr S. (Silvia) Toonen, University of Amsterdam
The first direct detection of gravitational waves has opened up a new window to the Universe. With dozens of detections so far, and hundreds more coming, their sources are still heavily debated in the scientific community. Are two stars involved? Or three or four? Toonen wants to investigate new pathways that involve multiple star systems.
How do planets get a magnetic field?
Dr. H.K. (Harish) Vedantham, ASTRON
The earth has a magnetic field. That is why there is aurora borealis, for example. We know that other planets also have magnetic fields. But exactly how planets, including the Earth, get that field is unclear. Vedantham wants to detect radio-waves from exoplanets and thereby answer a longstanding question: what determines the magnetic field strength of planets?
About Vidi
Together with Veni and Vici, Vidi is part of the NWO's Talent Programme. Vidi is aimed at experienced researchers who have carried out successful research for a number of years after obtaining their PhD. In this Vidi round, 78 of the 402 researchers receive funding.
Source: NWO