Congratulations to Michael Nodine for receiving the grant for the Open Competition Domain Science-M programme of NWO. M-grants are intended for innovative, high-quality, fundamental research and/or studies involving matters of scientific urgency.

Small RNA inheritance in plants: from molecules to mechanisms
Dr Michael Nodine (Wageningen University & Research)
Small RNAs are ideal molecules for parents to use to control the initial growth of their offspring as well influence their future behavior. Although this is being increasingly recognized in animals, hardly anything is known about small RNA inheritance in plants in which there is great potential for agricultural improvement. This research aims to determine how parents employ small RNAs to control early growth of their offspring, as well as resolve (genetic) conflicts with either their mates or themselves. [More information]