Spinoza and Stevin Prizes awarded

This Friday, research funding organisation NWO has awarded the highest honours in Dutch science. Judith Pollmann and Thijn Brummelkamp will both receive a Spinoza Prize, while Ingrid Robeyns and Ilse Aben will both receive a Stevin Prize. The four will each receive 1.5 million euros.

Judith Pollmann (1964) is a professor of early modern Dutch history at Leiden University. She investigates in innovative ways how people in the past dealt with radical social changes and how that influenced their identity.

Thijn Brummelkamp (1975)is a professor at UMC Utrecht and scientific director of the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Brummelkamp has used genetic research to unravel the tactics of various pathogens, writes NWO. His work contributes to the development of new medicines for infectious diseases and cancer.

Award ceremony on 14 October

Ingrid Robeyns (1972), professor of ethics at Utrecht University, is well known in higher education politics and one of the driving forces behind WOinActie. According to NWO, her research into the distribution of justice, wealth and well-being offers concrete solutions to inequality and democratic decline. ‘Through her sharp analysis, organisational skills and public visibility, she shows that philosophy can contribute to real change,’ says NWO.

Ilse Aben (1964) is a researcher at the Space Research Organisation Netherlands (SRON) and one of the founders of satellite instruments that can detect greenhouse gas emissions. ‘In doing so, she has made a unique and indispensable contribution to the fight against climate change.’

The Spinoza and Stevin Prizes will be awarded on Tuesday, 14 October. The winners will then announce how they intend to use their prize money.

HOP, Hein Cuppen