About Open Mind
Every year, NWO awards a number of Open Mind grants of 50,000 euros for societal relevant research. Characteristic for Open Mind is that research ideas contribute to creative and sustainable solutions to societal challenges. This year, sixteen proposals were selected for the finals during TEKNOWLOGY. In a short pitch, participants explained their out-of-the-box research idea. The seven winners of the competition were selected by a committee chaired by Prof. Dr. Gert-Jan Gruter. The winners were announced in a song, which was written during (and after) the pitches and performed on the main stage during the NWO innovation festival TEKNOWLOGY.
Open minds create the future
Dare to dream and just take flight
Bright ideas with an impact on tomorrow
To change the world you need an open mind
Refrain from the Open Mind song 2023, singer songwriter Collin Hoeve
Open Mind winners 2023
The Open Mind 2023 committee has awarded the seven Open Mind grants to the following (listed in proposals alphabetical order of the name of the (first) applicant). For each proposal a brief summary is given of some of the remarks that have been made by the committee.
Development of a colorimetric point-of-care test for Buruli ulcer
Paul Brinkman, Stan Chudy, Amsterdam UMC
This proposal offers a simple solution for a socially relevant problem and hence has a high potential for generating impact. In addition, the problem and the offered solution addresses a population that is typically overlooked and only has little means.
Towards Preventing Metastasis: Detecting Tumor Cells in the Lower Lip
Ashkan Ghanbarzadeh-Dagheyan, Universiteit Twente
A very original solution is being proposed by the applicant for the non-invasive detection of tumor cells. The approach is promising and has a potentially large impact.
Culture of the sexes - towards embracing the (fe)male in cell culture
Anika Nagelkerke, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
This proposal is superb and powerful in its simplicity, it is typically an Open Mind idea and it is a no brainer that this proposal addresses an important topic.
Highlighting Organs Suitable for Transplantation (HOST)
Anton Nikolaev, Yitian Fang, Erasmus MC
The applicants present an original idea, as a solution for an important and urgent problem. The potential impact of the proposal is large.
OxyForce - Oxygen and Force Sensing Solution for Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Kenan Niu, Izadyar Tamadon, Universiteit Twente
This proposal has a large potential impact, because the proposed method is expected to have a higher detection potential and is more patient friendly than current commonly used methods for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
A brain wave inspired by global mean sea-level rise: A unique way to measure the tides and flows of brain clearance in humans non-invasively
Merlijn van der Plas, UMC Utrecht
Within this proposal a highly original and clear solution is being presented (both in the application itself and in the clear and well appreciated pitch), bringing together multiple disciplines.
High efficiency solar cells enabled by string printing
Rebecca Saive, Universiteit Twente
This proposal offers a realistic solution for a highly relevant societal problem and may help to contribute to a reduction in the resources needed for solar cells as well as their costs. The proposal is expected to have high societal (and economic) impact.
