The Gravitation programme enables teams of top scientists to do top research for ten years in partnerships on the highest scientific level. The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) made a total of 112.8 million euros available for the programme. The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) selected the research groups.
Noteworthy is the fact that the NWO has awarded two of the Gravitation grants to research teams from humanities programmes, when they are usually awarded to science programmes. The Gravitation subsidies were last awarded in 2013.
Resilience
The Gravitation subsidy which was awarded to research in the Behavioural and Social Sciences faculty is the largest ever awarded. This research focuses on changes in society, such as the ageing population and the internet.
The group, called SCOOP (focusing on sustainable cooperation), led by RUG sociologist Rafael Wittek, researches how to create a resilient society in uncertain times. And how to ensure that people work together not only in the short term, but continue to do so in the long term.
Artificial cells
BaSyC (‘building a synthetic cell’) is the name of the project set up by RUG biochemist Bert Poolman’s group. BaSyC is getting the subsidy to enable them to create a synthetic cell: an artificial cell that works like a real one, with the ability to divide and produce energy.
This cell could then be used to research how life works and where things go wrong, for example in diseases. But these cell-like structures can also be used to deliver medication to the right place in the body at the right time.
Successful innovation
OIKOS is a national partnership of arts faculties. The group researches the interplay between tradition and innovation. Innovations are successful when people are able to understand the transition from the old to the new, OIKOS argues.
The group researches historical innovations, such as those implemented by the Greeks and the Romans. Historian Onno van Nijf represents the RUG in this research group.
Organs on chips
Organs on chips are miniature organs on silicon chips. The mini-organs can be used to research the effect and interaction of medication in the body. It is also a great alternative to animal testing. Ciska Wijmenga (Human Genetics) at the UMCG works on this research.