Twelve scientists from various research fields are receiving a KNAW Early Career Award. With this prize, the KNAW recognizes the scientific talent of young researchers who are conducting innovative and original research. The recipients will receive €15,000 and a unique piece of artwork.
APH researchers Vincent van Vugt and Emma Birnie received the KNAW Early Career Award 2025. Van Vugt investigates how digital innovations can improve general practitioner care. His research focuses, among other things, on dizziness, a complaint that affects 1 in 4 Dutch people at some point in their lives. Van Vugt developed an effective online exercise program for this purpose, which is now available nationwide. He is also investigating the possibility of hybrid care for chronic conditions. In this way, Van Vugt bridges the gap between research and practice. Birnie studies the tropical infectious disease melioidosis. The results of her research support the suspicion that the disease is much more prevalent worldwide than official data suggest. Birnie is thus giving this ‘hidden’ disease the attention it needs to be effectively combated, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Birnie combines her scientific work with documentaries and awareness campaigns, thereby also creating an impact among non-scientists.
Read more about the other researchers who have received the KNAW Early Career Award on KNAW (in Dutch).
This article has been translated from its original version from KNAW.