Amsterdam UMC PhD Thesis Award

To do:

The Amsterdam UMC Doctoral School presents annual awards for the three most outstanding PhD theses defended between 1 January and 31 December 2025, at the medical faculties of the University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam. Nominations can be made by the PhD supervisor and are assessed by a jury. The thesis as a whole should make an original and significant contribution to science and demonstrate clear understanding of the specific topic(s) and the overall field of study of the thesis

Requirements

You defend(ed) your thesis at the Faculty of Medicine of University of Amsterdam or VU University Amsterdam as from 1 January 2025
You are able to attend the next Science & Awards Day, 6 March 2026
You can only participate once
Note that if you are among the three nominees, you will be expected to give a 5-minute pitch of the highlights of your PhD research during the Science & Awards Day

Selection

A jury of experienced Amsterdam UMC scientists from a range of disciplines independently reviews all submissions and evaluates the scientific quality, scientific and/or societal impact of the research as well as the variation in used research methods
The jury then meets to draw up a shortlist of three nominees based on their rankings and decide on the winner at the Awards Session, based on a 5-minute pitch

The winners will be announced during the Science & Awards Day:

1st prize: 500 Eur
2nd and 3rd prize: 250 Eur

Necessary documents:

Thesis
Supervisor's letter of recommendation (see below)

Together with your final thesis (but also at a later time is allowed - no later than 1 December 2025) submit an extra hardcopy and your supervisor's letter of recommendation to the Doctoral School (Meibergdreef 9, E2-172, 1105 AZ Amsterdam Zuidoost), and send pdf files as well to the Doctoral School
Your supervisor writes a letter of recommendation (in English), which shows:
- the scientific quality of the research and the PhD thesis
  - the supervisor substantiates their choice of three chapters/articles in the thesis to which the PhD candidate has contributed substantially in terms of research and writing of the article and explains the PhD candidate's contribution. The assessment committee members will read the entire dissertation, but will focus on these 3 articles
- the scientific and/or societal impact of the research
- variation in used research methods

Note: Also check the for you applicable webpage 'submitting the final version of the thesis' if you are an AMC/UvA or a VUmc/VU PhD candidate

Note: If the Doctoral School did not receive one extra hardcopy of your thesis, it is not possible to apply for this award

Note: After sending in the digital PhD thesis to submit, you will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Doctoral School within two weeks. If not, please contact us!

Note: If you would like your theses returned after the SAD, please include an appropriate self-addressed envelope

Tips:

Did you apply for the Amsterdam UMC PhD Thesis Award?

All candidates will receive notification by e-mail from the Doctoral School and learn whether they are nominated or not (in February 2026)
The three nominees will receive further instructions about preparing a 5-minute pitch, to present during the afternoon program of the Science & Awards Day, on 6 March 2026. The presentation determines the order of the winners
The order of the winners will be announced and they will be awarded during the Science & Awards Day

Downloads:

Not Applicable

Doctoral school