Sixteen innovative research projects launched through Domain Science-KLEIN

Description

The Board of the NWO Domain Science has approved sixteen applications in the Open Competition Domain Science-KLEIN. The themes vary from research into the melting of ice sheets to the reduction of ice growth on mirrors of gravitional-wave detectors. KLEIN grants are intended for innovative, high-quality, fundamental research and/or studies involving matters of scientific urgency.

The following applications have been approved (in alphabetical order, by author):

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The molecular mechanism of transport and regulation by ionic strength and the 2nd messenger cyclic-di-AMP in the ABC transporter OpuA

Dr Cristina Paulino & Prof. Bert Poolman (RUG/RUG)

One of the outstanding questions in biochemistry and cell biology relates to the control of cell volume of microorganisms during growth and under environmental stress. Cells need to respond rapidly to fluctuating environmental conditions, e.g., by a prompt and large accumulation of compatible solutes. Conversely, a too high intake of osmolytes would be detrimental for the cell, and requires a fine-tuned regulation mechanism. Yet, the molecular details by which microorganisms control their volume are still largely elusive. We aim to elucidate the full mechanism of transport and regulation of the ABC importer OpuA, using cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule biophysical methods.

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About the NWO Open Competition Domain Science-KLEIN 

KLEIN grants are intended for realising curiosity-driven, fundamental research of high quality and/or scientific urgency. The KLEIN grant offers researchers the possibility to elaborate creative and risky ideas and to realise scientific innovations that can form the basis for the research themes of the future. There are three categories of KLEIN grants: KLEIN-1 (1 scientific position), KLEIN-2 (2 scientific positions in collaboration) and KLEIN-0 (investments) that are assessed in competition with each other.

In this ninth and last KLEIN round, a total of 60 applications were evaluated, 41 of which were KLEIN-1 applications, 18 were KLEIN-2 applications, and one KLEIN-0 application. The NWO Domain Science Board decided to approve eight KLEIN-1 applications, seven KLEIN-2 applications and one KLEIN-0 application.

NWO Open Competition Domain Science - M

The funding instrument Open Competition Domain Science-KLEIN has continued under ‘NWO Open Competition Domain Science - M.