Spinoza and Stevin prizes for four leading researchers from Leiden, Nijmegen, Groningen and Amsterdam

Two researchers have received this year’s Spinoza Prize, the highest distinction in Dutch science. Two others have been awarded a Stevin Prize for their societal impact. Each will receive 1.5 million euros for research.

The researchers are receiving the prize ‘for their outstanding, groundbreaking and inspiring work’. The awards are presented by research funding organisation NWO. The Spinoza Prize focuses on fundamental scientific research, while the Stevin Prize recognises societal impact.

The Spinoza Prizes are also known as the ‘Dutch Nobel Prizes’. This year, they have been awarded to professors Hermen Overkleeft (Leiden University) and Karin Roelofs (Radboud University Nijmegen).

Chemistry and brain processes

Overkleeft is regarded as one of the founders of chemical biology, according to the jury report. His work has contributed to knowledge of metabolic processes in the body and has also enabled the development of medicines for, among other things, cancer and rare metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

Roelofs studies the brain processes that underlie human stress responses: how we make decisions under pressure, regulate emotions and recover from stressful experiences. According to the jury, her research demonstrates how fundamental science can contribute to a society with greater mental resilience.

Psychiatry and AI

The Stevin Prize was established in 2018 for scientists who make an exceptional contribution to society. This year’s winners are professors Iris Sommer (University Medical Center Groningen) and Claes de Vreese (University of Amsterdam).

Sommer works to improve the quality of life of people with psychiatric conditions, for example people who hear voices. She also laid the foundations for better psychiatric treatment for women. Among other things, she makes her knowledge accessible through bestsellers such as The Women’s Brain.

De Vreese researches the influence of media, digital technologies and AI on democracy. He advises governments and regularly appears in the media as an expert. He analyses societal issues and brings them to the attention of a wider audience.

Award ceremony

The Spinoza and Stevin Prize ceremony will take place on Tuesday 7 October. The four laureates will then explain how they intend to use their prize money.

The prizes are named after the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) and the Fleming Simon Stevin (1548-1620). Spinoza was one of the founders of the Enlightenment and advocated, among other things, freedom of speech. Stevin was a mathematician, physicist and engineer. He is best known for his land yacht. He also enriched the Dutch language with words such as mathematics, philosophy, equator and diameter.