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DI-NIN funding for five projects

30 January 2025

The Donders Institute and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) have announced the recipients of the DI-NIN Fund, a €500,000 initiative designed to strengthen their collaboration and support innovative research. Following a thorough review process, five outstanding projects were selected from a competitive pool of 13 applications. These projects exemplify the synergy between the two institutes, leveraging their combined expertise to address pressing questions in brain, behaviour and cognition.

The DI-NIN Fund aims to promote cutting-edge research and foster sustainable collaboration between the DI and NIN. By combining strengths in basic and translational neuroscience, the institutes seek to drive scientific discoveries that have both academic and societal impact. This first round of funding paves the way for future initiatives, with the ultimate goal of establishing a robust framework for ongoing collaboration. The recipients of the grants and the applicants of the proposals that were not funded due to insufficient funds (and not quality as all applications were excellent) are urged to either write a grant on the basis of the results of their project or re-work their application and submit it to an external grant body.

Cracking the predictive code of the visual brain

Leads: Floris de Lange (DI) & Christiaan Levelt (NIN)

This project investigates how the brain processes predictions and errors in the visual cortex, using advanced techniques in both mice and humans. The research aims to reveal how experience shapes predictive mechanisms and how these are implemented across cortical layers and cell types.

The jury praised this project for its innovative approach and strong theoretical foundations. While ambitious, the collaboration between the two labs provides the necessary expertise for success. The project is likely to yield compelling preliminary data that could secure additional funding.

Restoring neuronal energy: microglia’s role in mitochondrial therapy

Leads: Nael Nadif Kasri (DI) & Christian Lohmann (NIN)

This study explores how microglia-mediated mitochondrial transfer can rescue diseased neurons, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders like Leigh syndrome. By using cutting-edge stem cell and organoid models, the researchers aim to establish a novel therapeutic approach.

The proposal was complemented for its creative use of advanced models and its potential to revolutionize therapies for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The collaboration capitalizes on the exceptional expertise of both teams.

Advanced MRI-profiling of the human cerebellum in health and disease

Leads: Bart van de Warrenburg (DI), Wietske van der Zwaag & Chris I. de Zeeuw (NIN)

This project develops biomarkers for cerebellar diseases using ultra-high field MRI. By identifying morphological and microstructural changes, the researchers aim to improve diagnosis and monitoring of cerebellar disorders.
The proposal stood out for its focus on a critical yet underexplored area of neuroscience. The team’s complementary expertise and innovative approach make this project a strong candidate for follow-up funding.

The brain’s spotlight: the role of selective attention in transforming visual perception

Leads: Prof. Dr. Serge Dumoulin (NIN), Dr. Jehee & Dr. Bloem (DI)

Investigating the dynamic nature of selective attention, this project combines advanced computational methods to uncover how attention fluctuates and transforms visual perception in real-time.

The proposal’s ambitious integration of population-receptive-field modelling and Bayesian decoding impressed the reviewers. While technically challenging, the methodology has the potential to make a significant impact on computational neuroscience.

Optimized gene therapy for peripheral neuropathy

Leads: Maria Landinez, Fred de Winter, Joost Verhaagen (NIN) & Erik Storkebaum (DI)

Summary: Focused on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, this study aims to refine gene therapy techniques to target motor and sensory neurons effectively. By addressing current bottlenecks, the project seeks to pave the way for clinical translation.

Jury Comments: Although high-risk, the project offers substantial potential rewards, particularly for patients. The collaboration’s complementary expertise enhances the feasibility of this innovative therapeutic approach.

A Bright Future for Neuroscience Research

The DI-NIN Fund demonstrates the power of this collaboration, combining technical innovation with clinical relevance. The supported projects not only address fundamental questions in neuroscience but also lay the groundwork for therapies that could change lives. Both institutes are committed to building on this success, with plans for a second funding round in two years, which also provides an opportunity for applications that did not receive funding this round.

More information about the DI-NIN fund can be found here. 

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