Veni grant for five EUR researchers

Five researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) have been awarded a Veni grant by the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). This funding will enable the researchers to further develop their scientific research.

The Rotterdam laureates

dr. E.R. van Beesten - Planning under uncertainty: constructing scenarios for the energy transition

A major challenge in the ongoing energy transition is that renewable energy sources are inherently unpredictable: production depends on uncertain weather factors, such as wind and sunshine. To ensure robustness and cost-effectiveness of the future energy system, governments rely on energy systems models to make informed decisions about investment in energy infrastructure. Crucial for the reliability of these models is an accurate representation of the uncertainty. This project will develop an efficient way to identify those aspects of the uncertainty that are relevant for the model to find good solutions. This helps policymakers plan better for the uncertain future.

dr. L. Dekker - Developing Digital Desire: Youth, Digital Sexuality and SexEd

Digital spaces play a major role in how young people (ages 16-25) explore sexuality, yet sex education often focuses on risks and does not reflect young people's real online experiences. This project examines how youth navigate digital sexuality and which strategies help promote positive experiences while reducing risks, with special attention to neurodivergent and LGBTQI* youth. In collaboration with youth as co-researchers and co-developers, the project combines interviews, online observation, and a large survey. The findings will be used to develop practical, inclusive advice to improve digital sexual education for diverse groups of young people.

dr. M.G. Napolitano - Rethinking Stereotypes

Stereotypes are sticky. They are hard to change, even when counterexamples are easy to find. This project aims to understand why stereotypes - especially gender stereotypes - are so difficult to change, and how we can more effectively do so. I will explore the possibility that stereotypes' stickiness is due to their specific explanatory content, rather than to the irrationality of those who stereotype. This shift in perspective will lead to rethinking stereotypes and their resistance to evidence, contributing to a better understanding of stereotype change and to more effectively challenging harmful gender stereotypes in society.

dr. E.P.H. van den Broek - AI ethics in the making: From principles to practices

Artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes critical decisions and services that affect people's lives. To reduce risks, governments and companies promote ethical principles like fairness and transparency. However, these principles often break down in everyday work as ethical dilemmas are messy and AI evolves fast. This project looks inside organisations to understand how AI ethics is managed on the ground, from technology design to use. Studying an AI vendor and two critical applications in mental healthcare and social support, it will help developers, implementers, and policymakers turn general principles into responsible practices in domains where it matters most.

About Veni

Together with Vidi and Vici, Veni forms part of the NWO Talent Programme (previously: De Vernieuwsingsimpuls (the Innovational Research Incentive Scheme). Veni is aimed at researchers who have recently gained their doctorates. Within the Talent Programme researchers are free to submit their own subject for funding. In this way NWO encourages curiosity-driven and innovative research. NWO selects researchers on the basis of the quality of the researcher, the innovative character of the research, the expected scientific impact of the research proposal and possibilities for knowledge utilisation.

• Erasmus School of Economics

• Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences

• Erasmus School of Philosophy

• Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences

• Monday 11 Apr 2022
• General