Three NWO grants for Leiden researchers
Three research teams from Leiden University have received an NWO grant for groundbreaking fundamental research. The projects focus on a wide range of topics, such as innovative drug delivery and the study of high-energy particles from space. Thanks to this funding, the researchers will be able to carry out pioneering work that will contribute to new scientific insights and possible applications for the future.
Three promising studies in Leiden
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Innovation in drug delivery
One of the Leiden projects focuses on developing new strategies for delivering medicines to specific parts of the body. By using advanced chemical techniques, the researchers aim to ensure that medicines work exactly where they are needed. This can not only increase the effectiveness of treatments, but also reduce side effects. In this way, this research contributes to better, safer therapies for a wide range of diseases.
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The origin of cosmic particles
Another project focuses on the search for the source of high-energy particles from space, such as neutrinos. By studying these mysterious particles, researchers hope to learn more about extreme events in the universe, such as black hole eruptions. This fundamental research not only provides insight into the cosmic forces that surround us, but may also yield new leads for future discoveries in physics.
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Storing solar energy with molecular switches
The third research project focuses on finding new ways to store solar energy using molecular photoswitches. These small molecules can change shape under the influence of light and temporarily capture energy in chemical bonds. Within this project, scientists are investigating how these switches function better when enclosed in tiny spaces in nanotubes. This would make it possible to capture and store solar energy more efficiently, which could contribute to practical and sustainable applications in the future.