With a special ceremony held today, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded the Spinoza and Stevin Prizes to Utrecht biologist Corné Pieterse and sociologist Tanja van der Lippe. The awards, which consist of 2.5 million euro funding, were presented by Robbert Dijkgraaf, the Dutch minister of Education, Culture and Science.
The Spinoza and Stevin Prizes, regarded as the highest scientific awards in the Netherlands, are awarded annually by the Dutch Research Council NWO. Earlier this year, NWO announced that biologist Corné Pieterse would receive a Spinoza Prize for his research into the natural defenses of plants against pathogens. Tanja van der Lippe was awarded a Stevin Prize for her research into a healthy work-life balance and sustainable employability of employees. A total of four Spinoza prizes and two Stevin Prizes were awarded this year.
Read more about the announcement of the laureates, or dive into Pieterse’s award-winning research in this feature article.
