Hestia Impuls for Medical Delta scientist

Ten academics who fled their home country because of a threatening situation can continue their academic career in The Netherlands. They receive an appointment funded by the NWO's 'Hestia Impulse for Refugees in Science'. One of them is Ahmad Alafandi (Erasmus MC), researcher at the scientific program Medical Delta Cancer Diagnostics 3.0: Big Data Science of in & ex vivo Imaging.

With his study 'The sound of flow: High-resolution brain tumour vascular signature mapping with mutually informed MRI and intraoperative 𝜇Doppler ultrasound', Alafandi links up with the Medical Delta program of which Prof. Dr. Marion Smits, applicant for the Hestia Impuls, is one of the Scientific Leaders. Alafandi's research project aims to improve the diagnosis of brain tumours. This involves combining a recently developed technique, 𝜇Doppler, with MRI to more accurately determine the type of tumour and ultimately better support the treatment of brain tumour patients.

"This is the best news I have received this year," says Alafandi. "I fled Syria almost three years ago and finally ended up in the Netherlands in 2019. Throughout the entire trip I had one goal in mind: to make sure I could work as a scientist and do research. The past year I worked as a volunteer, but thanks to NWO I now get a full-time appointment at Erasmus MC and can start my PhD. This is a dream come true."

Connection to Dutch research

The research projects for which the ten academics have been appointed concern a wide range of subjects. Scientists who have had to flee their home countries often encounter obstacles in the countries where they find a safe home, such as language or work culture. This makes it more difficult for them to continue their academic career. With the pilot call 'Hestia - Impulse for Refugees in Science' NWO wants to offer these academics connections to current Dutch research projects in order to build a network and increase their knowledge and skills.

The program also gives them the opportunity to actively share knowledge and skills, to get to know the Dutch science system, with the ultimate goal of continuing their career and/or research track from their home country. These academics also enrich Dutch science and society with their expertise.

New call coming up

Funding is available for an appointment of at least 18 months full-time and up to 24 months part-time. With the application, the project leader or main applicant can obtain funding for the appointment of a junior or senior researcher (master or PhD level) with a refugee status. Because of the successful flow of laureates and the popularity of this instrument, NWO has decided to open another round in 2021. The new call is expected to be launched in September.

Click here for the NWO news item.