The prize is awarded annually by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) to 12 researchers from different fields of research. The recipients receive 15,000 euros and a unique work of art. This year, five of the recipients are affiliated to uu77 and Radboudumc. A full list of winners can be found on the .
Tine Molendijk
Associate professor, Netherlands Defence Academy and uu77
What psychological damage can soldiers suffer when their moral or ethical beliefs are violated? Tine Molendijk studies the social and psychological impact of violence and moral dilemmas within the armed forces. The core of her work is to better understand how war and military operations affect people's lives. Part of this includes reflecting on the moral, psychological and social implications of all forms of violence. These range from superhuman resilience to inhuman destruction. In this way, Molendijk contributes to better illuminating and grasping the real toll of war.
Marthe Stevens
Associate professor, uu77, Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy and the Interdisciplinary Hub for Digitalisation and Society
From health apps on your phone to student tracking systems in primary schools, the digitisation of healthcare and education is in full swing. Marthe Stevens studies the use of new technology in our society. Combining insights from philosophy of technology, critical data studies, and science and engineering studies, Stevens reflects on the social consequences of technological innovations. Her work helps both researchers better understand how digitisation works, and the wider public understand the risks when large technology companies gain too much power. In this way, Steven's work contributes to responsible digitisation and curbing the influence of Big Tech on our lives.
Christian Büll
Associate Professor of Biomolecular Chemistry, uu77, Institute of Molecules and Materials
Christian Büll has developed an innovative method to produce and study human mucins, large proteins coated with complex sugar molecules called glycans. Mucins protect the inside of various organs, such as the gut, and play an important role in interacting with the gut microbiome, a collection of different bacteria in the gut. Previously, it was difficult to study these molecules because they were difficult to mimic due to their complex structure. Büll discovered that glycans form special patterns that are recognised by certain immune cells. This discovery allows further investigation of how these sugar structures transmit information to our immune system and thus affect our health. Büll hopes to use this technology to develop biological drugs that work with the gut flora and immune system to strengthen human health.
Tijs Karman
University Lecturer in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, uu77, Institute of Molecules and Materials
Tijs Karman conceived that it should be possible to prevent loss of molecules due to collisions via shielding by means of microwaves. A microwave is an electromagnetic radiation. Kareman's principle is now being used in research with molecules cooled to as close to absolute zero as possible. Karman is researching these ultracold molecules, which he studies around one nanokelvin. At nanokelvin temperatures, the particles in a substance move very slowly, making the effects of quantum mechanics noticeable, allowing complete control over the molecules. These findings are being used for applications in quantum technology and the study of advanced physics.
Jonne Doorduin
Technical physician and associate professor, uu77 Medical Centre, Intensive Care Unit
Jonne Doorduin researches respiratory problems and artificial respiration in intensive care units and in people with muscle disease. One of his main findings is that respiratory muscles in congenital muscle diseases can differ remarkably from muscle strength in the limbs. As a result, we now know that regular monitoring of respiratory function is essential in these patients. With his knowledge of both medicine and technology, Doorduin develops innovative ideas that are actually applied clinically. His solution to use ultrasound to measure respiratory muscles is one example. Doorduin also increases the visibility of his profession, for example by raising awareness among patients with muscle disease and respiratory problems with Spierziekten Nederland.