A group of 152 young, promising scientific researchers will be given a total of €38m by the education ministry to help them launch their careers.

Nearly 1,100 researchers applied for the subsidy, known as a Veni, from Dutch organisation for scientific research.

The young scientists are allowed to choose what they study. ‘The money will enable them to make a flying start to their career,’ junior education minister Sander Dekker said in a statement.

Among the subjects currently under study are the role of slight trembles during epileptic fits, the causes of social isolation and how to make digital signatures more difficult to falsify.

Each researcher will receive €250,000 to spend on paying themselves a salary or on buying equipment.