Winner of the Golden Spatula 2024
Characterisation of nanobodies using biosensing by particle motion, Fontys University of Applied Sciences
This year, the KNCV Golden Spatula Selection Committee has chosen Pauline Schiks' thesis, written as part of her Applied Science degree at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, as the winner of the 2025 Golden Spatula Award.
Pauline conducted her research at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Molecular Biosensing research group, supervised by Dr. Arthur de Jong and Claire Michielsen. This thesis contributed to her graduation with an excellent grade of 10.
The project aimed to screen nanobodies with a His tag using Biosensing by Free Particle Motion. This method uses a type of nano-antibody to detect specific molecules in low concentrations surrounded by a complex matrix, such as blood. This complex research required combining all the knowledge acquired during her studies to answer the various questions.
Pauline has developed into a highly skilled and independent researcher in a short time. She impressively combined multiple complex tasks, demonstrating sharp analytical skills and a high degree of independence. Her work was characterized by profound insight, particularly in the interpretation of experimental data. The way she was able to connect different datasets and use them to effectively adjust her research demonstrates scientific maturity. The department praised not only her substantive contribution but also her ability to function as a team player and even mentor other students. Pauline has amply demonstrated her ability to conduct research at an academic level.
The jury was impressed by the excellent presentation of her thesis, which clearly explained all aspects of the project. The choice and structure of the figures used made the thesis visually easy to follow. The thesis also demonstrates that Pauline clearly focused on the project and conducted the research with great dedication.
With this thesis, Pauline has taken a significant step forward in her research into developing wearable biosensors that can eventually be applied in healthcare, among other areas.
The other two prizes were awarded to:
