Villum Fonden supports 53 new research ideas in their Villum Experiment programme. 18 grants were awarded to DTU researchers, selected among more than 400 applications.
At DTU Physics Professor Henrik Bruus has received 2 million DKK for the project "Breaking the small-size barrier: Ultrasound manipulation of suspended nanoparticles" to seek untraditional paths in his research in ultrasound physics in lab-on-a-chip systems.
The purpose of the project is to investigate whether it is possible to handle nanoparticles in aqueous solutions by combining two new phenomena discovered by Professor Bruus and his colleagues within the past two years.
’By combining the two new phenomena, acoustic volume power and iso-acoustophoresis, we will try to move nanoparticles in aqueous solutions using applied MHz ultrasound. Within a couple of seconds, this should allow us to concentrate and transport the nanoparticles. This technology will provide completely new possibilities for controlled handling of nanoparticles in biotechnology, such as bacteria, viruses and exosomes’, says Professor of Theoretical Physics, Henrik Bruus.
Anonymous selection process sharpens focus on research
All applications have been through an anonymous selection process where 15 international judges assessed the research ideas—without the possibility of looking at the researchers’ CVs or academic merits, according to a Villum Fonden press release.
The method has been selected in order to sharpen the focus on the research idea and to allow researchers to come up with new ideas regardless of their previous academic merits.
The 53 experiments receiving a total of EUR 13.5 million were selected from more than 400 applications. 18 projects from DTU spanning over 12 departments will receive approximately DKK 35 million.
According to Villum Fonden, the Villum Experiment was created for technical or scientific research projects that challenge norms and have the potential to fundamentally change the way we approach key issues.
“VILLUM FONDEN would like to help create room for radical and innovative research that has the potential to fundamentally change the way we approach key issues. Perhaps you have a crazy idea that you are afraid to talk about, or that challenges the recognized research, or does not fit into the ideas of the usual funds. Our anonymous selection process and willingness to take risks open the doors for crazy ideas and alternative approaches,” says Thomas Bjørnholm, Director of Science at Villum Fonden.