Two researchers at TU/e were recently awarded NWO Impact Explorer grants for their work on mathematical security models and fiber-optic sensor technology. The aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practice at the university. The goal is to stimulate advancements in fiber-optic technology and bodyguard security!
NWO Impact Explorer Grant
The total budget for the NWO Impact Explorer Grant is 1,000,000 euros, consisting of individual grants ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 euros. These grants were established to enable researchers to generate greater societal impact through their research. Additionally, they serve as an effective means of bridging the gap between theory and practice at universities.
Improving personal safety
Loe Schlicher is one of the researchers who received the grant. The goal of his research is to improve personal safety in the Netherlands through mathematical modeling. The murder of Peter R. de Vries prompted him to pursue this line of research. He is collaborating with the Dutch National Police to optimize the deployment of bodyguards. What makes his project innovative is that he uses a “serious board game” to demonstrate how effective the mathematical models he develops are. He chose this approach because it is a good way to engage police and policymakers in the research in an interactive and understandable manner. He can simulate real-life situations and thus illustrate how the mathematical models improve safety.
Affordable fiber sorting technology
The second researcher is Andrea Fiore. She aims to improve the efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability of reactor production processes using affordable fiber-optic sensing technology. She has named her research team FibChem, and they are currently developing a prototype for this technology. The team is currently focusing on miniaturized (bio)chemical reactors and also plans to explore other potential markets. Biochemical reactors are compact devices that facilitate chemical reactions.
Conclusion
By offering the NWO Impact Explorer grant, the government aims to create more opportunities for research with a societal impact. It also helps universities like TU/e bridge the gap between theory and practice, as there is often limited opportunity for practice-oriented learning at universities. It’s therefore a great win-win situation, both for students and for society!