The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Veni grants of up to €320,000 to 200 promising researchers. These grants allow researchers to further develop their own research ideas over the next three years. Among the recipients are Reina Sikkema and Robert Borst, both affiliated with the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center (PDPC).

Reina Sikkema, researcher at the PDPC and the Department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC, is investigating the role of birds in the spread of mosquito-borne viruses. Her goal is to identify the key bird species that serve as reservoirs for West Nile virus and Usutu virus. “By understanding how bird species contribute to the spread of these viruses, we will be better able to predict and control outbreaks. The findings will serve as input for targeted surveillance and control measures, ultimately reducing the risk of infections in humans and animals,” she explains.

Robert Borst, assistant professor in the field of Global Health Systems Resilience & Governance (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and researcher at the PDPC, has been awarded the grant for his project ‘The Caring Kingdom: Reforming Caribbean-European Historical Relations for Better Care’. Due to its colonial history, the Netherlands remains closely connected with the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. In healthcare, the islands often collaborate, for instance because they have a limited number of medical professionals. This research aims to develop practical advice to improve cooperation in healthcare.

Read more about the 2024 Veni grants here.