Golden Spatula 2013

Eliane's research was highly multidisciplinary and socially relevant. She investigated a technique that will enable energy to be extracted from wastewater in a sustainable manner in the future, while also making wastewater cleaner. The technique is based on the principle of a battery filled with wastewater, in which the necessary chemical reactions are carried out by bacteria. The growth process of bacteria in layers on the metal rods is crucial to this technique. Eliane has developed an analytical method to determine the acidity in the bacterial layer, because efficiency depends to a large extent on acidity. This method is based on complex analytical techniques, namely Raman spectroscopy and its special variation, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In addition, other biological and electrochemical techniques were also used.

Her theoretical and practical knowledge is very broad, enabling Eliane to carry out this complex assignment independently and at a high level. The jury is impressed by her thesis, which is now being incorporated into a scientific publication. In short, Eliane has demonstrated that her achievements are above average. That is why the selection committee considers her an excellent candidate for a nomination for the Golden Spatula.

The other two prizes were awarded to:
Sebastiaan van Kessel - Hanzeschool Groningen
The binding of SepF, and other proteins to the C-terminus of Bacillus subtilis FtsZ

Esther Roeven - Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Modification of Silicon Nitride Surfaces for Biosensor Applications