It is often difficult to obtain funding for fresh and innovative research ideas because such projects run the risk of not delivering the expected outcomes. The Idea Generator programme offers these kinds of ideas an opportunity for further development. The project proposals are assessed based on societal needs and impact, the risk and creativity associated with the idea, and the project plan.

Using the grant of €50,000, the researchers will collaborate with diverse partners in society on further small-scale development of their idea in the coming year. This may immediately produce results, but it could also lead to a broader research proposal or even lead to the conclusion that the idea is not feasible.

In total, 37 researchers were awarded funding; the entire funding amount comes to €1.85 million euro.

About the selected projects

• Dr Hanneke Creemers (Forensic Youth Care Education):
  What’s app: Testing a new assessment procedure to inform treatment for detained juvenile offenders
  There is often a lack of information on the risk factors, needs and learning abilities of offenders serving short sentences in Juvenile Detention Centres. However, this information is essential in tailoring the treatment of these young people in order to prevent delinquent behaviour. In this project, Creemers explores whether a popular digital application could be useful and valid for the purpose of collecting this information.
   
• Dr. William Gosling (Paleoecology):
  Does environmental pollution enhance the allergenic nature of pollen?
  It is estimated that around 3 million Dutch people suffer from hay fever after coming into contact with airborne pollen. Air pollution could possibly alter pollen in such a way that it causes even more severe allergic reactions. In this project, Gosling will conduct research into whether different types of pollen in urban areas have been chemically altered and whether these changes vary over the course of a year.
   
• Dr. Chris Slootweg (Chemistry): Converting the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide into value-added products
  In this project, Slootweg aims at developing an efficient transformation of greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide into the platform chemical acetic acid. This will contribute to better optimizing the carbon cycle and promote a waste-free society.