Six scientists will receive the highest awards in Dutch science this year: the Spinoza and Stevin Prizes. Thea Hilhorst, Klaas Landsman, Corné Pieterse and Ignas Snellen receive a Spinoza Prize, the Stevin Prizes go to Bas Bloem and Tanja van der Lippe. They will each receive 2.5 million euros for scientific research.
Thea Hilhorst, professor of humanitarian aid and reconstruction at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University, will receive the prize for her research in the field of emergencies due to disasters and armed conflict. She emphasizes the impact of humanitarian aid.
Professor of plant-microbe interactions at Utrecht University Corné Pieterse investigates how plants defend themselves against diseases and pests. In doing so, he contributes to future-proof agriculture and more food security for the growing world population, writes the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), which awards the prizes.
exoplanets
Ignas Snellen, professor of observational astrophysics at Leiden University, has been awarded the Spinoza Prize for his research into exoplanets: planets that orbit a star other than our sun. He develops innovative techniques and instruments for this.
The fourth to receive the Spinoza Prize is Klaas Landsman, professor of mathematical physics at Radboud University. He uniquely combines research at the interface between mathematics and physics with deep insights into the foundations, history and philosophy of physics. “He raises stimulating ideas that go beyond the boundaries of disciplines and make both his colleagues and the general public think about the foundations of our existence”, the NWO explains.
Parkinson
In addition to the Spinoza Prizes, since 2018 there are also the Stevin Prizes, for research with a major social impact. This year they will go to two scientists: Tanja van der Lippe, professor of sociology at Utrecht University and Bas Bloem, professor of neurological movement disorders at Radboudumc.
Van der Lippe is honored for her research into a healthy work-life balance and sustainable employability of employees. Bloem is the world’s number one expert on Parkinson’s disease. He developed ParkinsonNet, a network in which patients and care providers work together.
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.
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