The young scientists focus on pressing medical issues. For example, the research of Mariano Molina (research institute Cancer Center Amsterdam CCA) may lead to new, convenient screening methods for the early detection of cervical cancer and possibly other cancer types.   

Margot Morssinkhof  (Research Institute Amsterdam Public Health  APH) investigates how often depressive symptoms worsen in women in the days or week before their periods. ‘Many women with depression find that their symptoms increase monthly in the week before their periods, which seems to be associated with longer and more severe depressive episodes,’ says Morssinkhof.  

Recipients of the AUF Starting Grant 2024

This year's AUF Startstipendium was awarded to the following scientists:

• Anne van der Spek on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) - Investigating changes in the gut microbiome and their impact on Graves' disease  
• Daphne Naessens on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Neuroscience (ANS) - What does the cleanup system of the human brain look like? 
• Elza van Deel on behalf of Teaching and Learning Centre – Out of their study bubble; Project on citizen science within the Biomedical Sciences master's program 
• Machteld Boonstra on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS) - How does heart activity change during pregnancy? 
• Margot Morssinkhof on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Influence of the menstrual cycle on depressive symptoms 
• Mariano Molina on behalf of the research institute Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA) – New RNA molecules for the detection of cervical cancer 
• Niels Waterval on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS) - Better, personally tailored ankle-foot orthoses in orthotic care 
• Stephanie Popping on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Institute for Immunology & Infectious Diseases (AI&I)  - The placement and financial benefits of NGS technology in microbiology diagnostics 
• Wendy Dankers on behalf of the research institute Amsterdam Reproduction & Development (AR&D) - Investigating complications in pregnancy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus through an innovative organ model 

AUF Startstipendium

The AUF supports promising medical scientists with the AUF Startstipendium. 
Candidates for the Startstipendium are employed at Amsterdam UMC or AMR, receive support from one of the eight research institutes of Amsterdam UMC and have received their PhD no longer than 5 years ago. The next round of applications is scheduled for spring 2025. 

Contributions to the Spinoza Fund 

The Spinoza Fund supports young scientific talent. Anyone can contribute to this fund. For donations and more information, please visit the AUF website or contact Juliëtte Nieuwland: j.m.m.nieuwland@uva.nl