Welcome and thank you for joining me on this adventure. For the newbies, you can catch up on previous posts: first blog post, second blog post here, third blog post here, fourth blog post here, fifth post here, sixth post here, seventh post here, eighth post here, the ninth post here, tenth post here, eleventh post here, twelfth post here, thirteenth post, fourteenth post here, fifteenth post, sixteenth post, seventeenth post here, eighteenth post here, nineteenth post here. and twentieth post here

“Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.”

Philippians 4:11 (Amplified Version of The Bible)

“I came, but can I see?” The short answer is “No”. Last Monday I received the email confirming that I did not get awarded an NWO Vidi grant for my research proposal. I didn’t rank among the top 7 candidates in my panel (of 20) that have been awarded the grant. I’m I disappointed in this outcome? Yes, but only briefly in the immediate aftermath of reading the email. This outcome of not being granted was a possibility that I expected (actually, I was two-thirds expecting this outcome) so I was prepared for it mentally when it arrived.

You can read the full press release from the NWO here: https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/109-vidi-grants-awarded-to-talented-researchers Here is an overview of the numbers:

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all the 109 candidates were got awarded the grant in this round. To those like me who didn’t make the ranking, my commiserations to you.

For me personally, I stand with what Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.” I am content with this outcome because I know that God will work it out for my good. In my last blog post, I wrote this:

“I’m thankful to God that I made it this far in the process. Whichever way the outcome goes, I gave it my best shot and I can trust in His plans for me concerning this research project. I’ve now packed up and stored away all the papers and notes on this #NWOVidi process – out of mind. I’m done with it and feel rather delighted that it is over – for now. I’m free ☺️”

This sentiment still remain for me and I can restate that I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone through this year long process of developing a research idea and getting through all the stages of the grant process. This outcome does not define me nor does it define the research idea which I strongly believe it. There is a time and place for everything under the sun. It was just not the time for this research idea.

Now there is nothing left for me to do than focus on the other projects I am involved in and to try again in the newly open NWO Vidi 2026 round. I’ve got one last shot at this so I’m going to give it another go. Let’s see if I even make it through the pre-proposal stage this time around. The deadline is on 3 November so there is very little time left to get it submitted on time.