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Rubicon subsidy for rock chemistry specialist Jelle van Sijl

Van Sijl uses advanced computer models and high-temperature experiments to study the geochemistry of mineral boundaries in order to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of elements in the earth.

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded rock chemistry specialist Jelle van Sijl a subsidy from the Rubicon programme. This will enable him to obtain two years of research experience aboard. In total, three young, promising researchers from the VU were given awards.

About the research

Jelle van Sijl will spend 24 months at Bristol University (Department of Earth Sciences) working on research entitled “On the edge” (Op ’t randje). Much is known about the chemical composition of minerals in the earth. For years we have been studying the distribution of elements from the crust to the core using natural and synthetic samples. The number of elements that remain attached to edges of minerals within the earth is, however, still largely unknown. This research studies the geochemistry of mineral edges using advanced computer models and high-temperature experiments in order to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of elements in the earth.

Rubicon

In total, 31 out of the 161 researchers who submitted an application received a Rubicon.  This subsidy is awarded to young, promising researchers who have just obtained their doctorate, who are at the beginning of their academic career and who are expected to fulfil an important role in Dutch science due to their outstanding academic qualities.