First four projects to receive funding out of the new Incentive Fund

As the newest NWO Institute, research infrastructure HFML-FELIX is now part of a large national consortium, consisting of several Dutch universities and Radboudumc. To kick start these exciting partnerships and to strengthen the scientific collaboration on a national level, HFML-FELIX has introduced its own Incentive Fund. The first four partner projects have now been granted funding.

The accepted proposals cover a broad range of research topics and will create new PhD positions, as well as enable the development of new scientific instrumentation. The following projects have obtained funding within this first call of the new Incentive Fund:

1. Light on (photo)catalytic reaction mechanisms: catching reactive intermediates in the act.

Lead applicant W. J. Buma (UvA) together with P. Ferrari (HFML-FELIX), D. Galimberti (RU) and L. Visscher (VU). ‘In this project we will employ the unique capabilities of HFML-FELIX to investigate in detail catalytic reactive intermediates occurring along a catalytic cycle. By their very nature -they are short-lived and highly reactive- these intermediates are normally particularly difficult to get a grasp on. Recently, a novel approach based on molecular beams, infrared spectroscopy, and detailed quantum chemical calculations has been shown to be able to successfully tackle this challenge. As a result, the precise characteristics that give organocatalysts their distinct catalytic activity can now be elucidated, which paves the way for a rational design of new catalysts.’

2. Confocal imaging of magnetic dipolar colloids in ultrahigh magnetic fields.

Lead applicant R. Dullens (RU) together with A. van Blaaderen (UU), P. Christianen (HFML-FELIX) and H. Engelkamp (HFML-FELIX): ‘We propose to use ultrahigh magnetic fields to induce magnetic dipolar interactions in systems of non-magnetic colloids and study their self-assembly. We will focus on imaging the assembly dynamics in real-time and analyse the assembled structures at the particle level in 3D. The proposed research is groundbreaking as it represents the first experiments uncovering the 3D structure of dipolar magnetic colloids and will therefore open a host of opportunities for further work.’

3. Extreme-condition tuning of correlated physics in van der Waals heterostructures.

Lead applicant M. N. Ali (TU Delft) together with S. Bhattacharya (LU) and S. Wiedmann (HFML-FELIX): ‘This project will investigate how exotic quantum states of matter arise in ultra-thin, layered materials where the atoms are slightly twisted relative to one another. By combining extreme conditions, such as high magnetic fields and finely controlled pressure, these materials can be tuned in ways that were previously impossible. This will allow researchers from the TU Delft-Leiden- HFML-FELIX collaboration to directly test a key theoretical framework, the Zaanen-Sawatzky-Allen (ZSA)  scheme, that explains why some materials behave as insulators, metals, or ‘something in between’. Beyond deepening our understanding of quantum matter, this work could open the door to designing materials with custom quantum properties, while also driving new experimental capabilities and strengthening long-term collaboration among leading Dutch research institutes.’

4. Beyond 3 Microns: FELIX-Enabled IR-MALDI for Advanced Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Lead applicant R. M. Heeren (MU) together with I. Anthony (MU) and J. Martens (HFML-FELIX): ‘In this project we will create a new infrared mass-spectrometry-imaging platform that leverages the unique properties of the FELIX infrared laser to spatially resolve molecules in biological tissues. The source not only brings far greater sensitivity, but provides access to molecular systems that are beyond reach of conventional MS-based imaging systems. The ability to image labile oligosaccharides and oligonucleotides opens the door to new and more innovative glycobiological studies in biomedical research. This exemplifies how to national Large Scientific Research Infrastructures can synergize to accelerate biomedical research.’

HFML-FELIX congratulates all four applicants and their teams with their funding. The projects are set to start early next year.