The NWO Talent Programme gives researchers the freedom to pursue their own research based on creativity and passion. The programme encourages innovation and curiosity. Together with the Veni and Vici grants, the Vidi grant is part of the NWO Talent Programme.

Researchers are selected based on the academic quality and innovative character of the research proposal, scientific and/or societal  impact of the  proposed project and the quality of the researcher. Jalaal's project, Living levers: unveiling the adaptive and active elasto-viscoplasticity of living systems, was one of 102 granted projects in this funding round.

New active materials

The materials from which life is built are typically soft, adaptable and active. In order to study them, researchers need to model materials with similar properties.

Based on new insights into a complex material class called elasto-viscoplastics, which includes toothpaste, Jalaal's project develops a new class of active elasto-viscoplastics. These materials could mimic natural life processes like cell migration and embryo development.

Advanced experiments and simulations will be integrated to develop a mechanical framework, enhancing the understanding of biological mechanics and advancing the creation of innovative, bio-inspired materials like smart 3D-printed and autonomous active matter.