The Holst Memorial Lecture Award recognizes groundbreaking scientific research.
On Thursday, November 20, TU/e, Philips, Signify, Thermo Fisher, and ASML will present the Holst Memorial Lecture Award to Professor Jörg Wrachtrup. This award recognizes researchers who have made exceptional contributions to groundbreaking research in technical sciences and related fields.
This year marks the 46th presentation of the Holst Memorial Lecture Award. Previous winners include five scientists who later received a Nobel Prize : Philippe Gilles de Gennes, Alan J. Heeger, Arno A. Penzias, Ilya Prigogine, and Shuji Nakamura. The award winner will deliver the Holst Memorial Lecture and will receive a medal featuring the image of Gilles Holst, the founder and first director of Philips Natlab.
Quantum Detection
Wrachtrup , the 2025 award winner, is a German physicist associated with the University of Stuttgart and the Max Planck Institute. He is conducting groundbreaking research in the field of quantum detection. Wrachtrup is developing highly sensitive detectors that utilize diamonds to measure minute changes in magnetic fields, electric fields, and temperature.
New Opportunities
His innovations combine quantum physics with practical technological tools, creating applications in areas such as biomedical diagnostics and materials science. He demonstrates how fundamental research can lead to entirely new opportunities for industry and society.
Technological Innovation
The Holst Memorial Lecture Award is a prestigious award that reflects the unique character of the Brainport region, where knowledge institutions and industry collaborate closely on technological innovation. Established in 1977 by TU/e and Philips, this award has since gained support from other leading Brainport companies, including Signify (since 2018), Thermo Fisher, and ASML (as of this year). Through this annual recognition, the five partners emphasize their shared commitment to and appreciation for groundbreaking research, as well as the collaborative power between knowledge institutions and the business community.
Farewell
After the lecture, Peter Wennink and Louise Gunning, members of the Supervisory Board (RvT) of TU/e, will be bid farewell. The new RvT members will then be announced.