Wageningen Scientists Win €3 Million in Top Dutch Research Grants for Groundbreaking Studies
Wageningen, Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Two Wageningen University researchers secured prestigious NWO Vici grants totaling €3 million this week. Philosophy professor David Ludwig will explore revolutionary ‘transgressive science’ approaches that break traditional research boundaries while maintaining scientific rigor. Sensory scientist Sanne Boesveldt received €1.5 million to investigate how smell influences memory and eating behavior, including groundbreaking studies on GLP-1 weight-loss medications and virtual reality-enhanced scent therapy for memory improvement.
Prestigious Recognition for Scientific Innovation
The NWO Vici grants represent the Netherlands’ most prestigious individual research funding program, forming the final stage of the competitive Veni-Vidi-Vici trajectory that supports researchers throughout their careers [1][2]. This year, NWO awarded 39 Vici grants to researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions, with four going to Wageningen University researchers [2]. The grants enable recipients to develop a research line and expand their research group over the next five years [2]. For David Ludwig, this achievement marks the completion of his entire NWO Veni Vidi Vici trajectory, representing his development from a promising researcher to an internationally leading scientist [1].
Breaking Scientific Boundaries: Ludwig’s Transgressive Science
David Ludwig’s project, titled ‘Doing Science Differently? A Philosophy of Transgressive Science,’ addresses a critical paradox in modern research: scientists serve as both problem solvers and contributors to damage, particularly regarding environmental and social issues [1]. His research focuses on developing alternatives to ‘business as usual’ approaches for addressing socio-ecological crises including biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and pollution [1]. Ludwig describes these new approaches as ‘transgressive science,’ which aims to break from usual practices without abandoning scientific standards [1]. This innovative methodology involves collaboration with local communities, challenges the traditional view of nature as merely a resource, and questions justice in scientific progress [1]. The project explores how researchers can innovate boldly while maintaining scientific rigor and credibility, a balance crucial for addressing contemporary global challenges [1].
The Science of Smell: Boesveldt’s Multisensory Research
Sanne Boesveldt, Associate Professor of Human Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University & Research, received her €1.5 million Vici grant between March 9-11, 2026 [2]. Her research capitalizes on the unique neurological positioning of the olfactory bulb, which lies close to brain regions involved in memory and emotion, enabling smell to directly influence cognitive processes [2][3]. Previous research has already demonstrated that olfactory training improves not only the sense of smell but also potentially memory function [2]. Boesveldt’s ambitious five-year research program will investigate how the sense of smell can contribute to better memory and healthier eating behavior through multiple innovative approaches [2][3].
Revolutionary Treatment Approaches and Future Research
Boesveldt’s research methodology includes groundbreaking studies involving participants with mild memory problems who will smell four different strong scents twice daily for several months, with specialized MRI scans monitoring measurable brain changes [2][3]. The research will introduce an enhanced therapy using virtual reality technology, where participants view the source of odors while smelling them—such as seeing a rose garden through VR while smelling rose essence—to stimulate multiple senses simultaneously for stronger therapeutic effects [2]. Additionally, her team will conduct comprehensive studies on participants beginning GLP-1 weight-loss medication, measuring their sense of smell, eating behavior, and brain activity before and after treatment, comparing results with individuals losing weight through lifestyle and dietary changes without medication [2][3]. This research addresses the significant role smell and taste play in food choices, leveraging animal research findings that show GLP-1 receptors exist in the olfactory bulb [2]. As Boesveldt noted about receiving the grant: ‘It feels like an enormous gift: I get to spend five years doing the research I want to do, based entirely on my own ideas’ [3].