Koen Frenken awarded a prestigious NWO Vici grant

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded innovation scientist Prof. dr. Koen Frenken a Vici grant of up to €1.5 million. This grant means he will be able to build his own research group within five years. A total of 36 top Dutch researchers were awarded Vici grants in this funding round.

Genealogy of Novelty

Frenken studies breakthroughs in science, technology and the arts. The key question in his research project on 'The Genealogy of Novelty: An evolutionary explanation of breakthrough inventions in science, technology, and the arts' is whether those who have been influenced by very different people during their lives are in fact most creative. His research is tested using databases of scientific publications, patents, start-ups, technical artefacts and professional careers.

Top researcher

NWO Vici grants are intended for experienced senior researchers who have developed new, innovative lines of research. These scientists are among the best in their fields and have a proven track record as coaches for young researchers. This year, 36 scientists were awarded NWO Vici grants of up to €1.5 million each. The funding is intended to enable them to conduct research over the next five years and to build their own research groups. Vici is one of the largest personal grants available to scientists in the Netherlands and is part of the NWO‘s Innovational Research Incentives Scheme. More information on Vici grants (Dutch website).

Faculty of Geosciences: a sustainable Earth for future generations