Doctoral school

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.

• 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;
  • if this is applicable the supervisor adds a paragraph to the letter, why it is extra special that this dissertation has come about. For example due to personal circumstances of the PhD candidate, or the situation regarding doing their research;
  • 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 submitting the digital PhD thesis, you will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Doctoral School within two weeks. If you do not receive this confirmation, please contact us!

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