KNCV Gold Medal

The prize for chemical researchers

KNCV Gold Medal

The KNCV Gold Medal is the most prestigious Dutch award for researchers who have distinguished themselves in the field of chemical research in the broadest sense.

Researchers up to the age of 40 who are expected to become leaders in their field are eligible for the award. The KNCV has been awarding the Gold Medal to top chemical talent in the Netherlands since 1965.

Do you know someone who is eligible for the Dutch chemistry hall of fame? Nominations for the KNCV Gold Medal 2025 can now be submitted. See ‘nominate’ for the criteria that candidates must meet and how to nominate someone.

Winner of the Gold Medal 2025

Prof. Bruno Ehrler, head of the Hybrid Solar Cells group at the AMOLF research institute in Amsterdam and professor at the University of Groningen, is the winner of the KNCV Gold Medal 2025. The jury praised his research into new materials for solar cells, which combines fundamental science with a clear eye for applications.

Winners of the KNCV Gold Medal

2024 - Dr. Caroline Paul

2024 - Dr. Caroline Paul
2023 - Prof.dr. Gerard van Westen

2023 - Prof.dr. Gerard van Westen
2022 - Prof.dr. Erik Garnett

2022 - Prof.dr. Erik Garnett
2021 - Prof.dr.ing. Timothy Noël

2021 - Prof.dr.ing. Timothy Noël
2020 - Prof.dr.dr. Patricia Dankers

2020 - Prof.dr.dr. Patricia Dankers
2019 - Prof.dr.ir. Ilja Voets

2019 - Prof.dr.ir. Ilja Voets
2018 - Prof.dr.ir. Pascal Jonkheijm

2018 - Prof.dr.ir. Pascal Jonkheijm
2017 - Prof.dr. Nathalie Katsonis

2017 - Prof.dr. Nathalie Katsonis

2016 - Prof.dr. Syuzanna Harutyunyan

2016 - Prof.dr. Syuzanna Harutyunyan
2015 - Prof.dr. Sjors Scheres

2015 - Prof.dr. Sjors Scheres
2013 - Prof.dr. Geert Kops

2013 - Prof.dr. Geert Kops
2012 - Prof.dr.ir. Luc Brunsveld

2012 - Prof.dr.ir. Luc Brunsveld
2011 - Dr. Huib Ovaa †

2011 - Dr. Huib Ovaa †
2010 - Prof.dr. Jeroen Cornelissen

2010 - Prof.dr. Jeroen Cornelissen
2009 - Prof.dr. Mischa Bonn

2009 - Prof.dr. Mischa Bonn
2008 - Prof.dr. Hermen Overkleeft

2008 - Prof.dr. Hermen Overkleeft

2007 - Prof.dr.ir. Jurriaan Huskens

2007 - Prof.dr.ir. Jurriaan Huskens
2006 - Prof.dr.ir. Bert Weckhuysen

2006 - Prof.dr.ir. Bert Weckhuysen
2005 - Dr. Albert Schenning

2005 - Dr. Albert Schenning
2004 - Prof.dr. Huib Bakker

2004 - Prof.dr. Huib Bakker

KNCV Gouden Medaille 2002 - Prof.dr. Floris Rutjes
Floris Rutjes has done some really cool stuff in organic chemistry.
Check out this article about the Innovation Platform award for Floris Rutjes.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 2001 - Prof.dr. Albert Heck
I was particularly proud when I saw who had won the prize before. It is an honor to be included in that group. It was also a real breakthrough for the field. Analytical chemistry was still too often seen as a service.
Read the interview with Albert Heck from C2W-16, 2014 here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 2000 - Dr. Ellen de Brabander-van den Berg
For Ellen de Brabander, the challenges no longer lie in the research itself, but in ‘people management’. Anyone considering the transition from research to management should think carefully about it.
Read the interview with Ellen de Brabander from C2W-7, 2007 here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1999 - Prof.dr. Andries Meijerink
Andries Meijerink received the KNCV Gold Medal for his work on FRET energy transfer between luminescent particles.
Read an article about Andries Meijerink on the C2W website here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1998 - Dr. Bart Hessen
Bart Hessen worked at the University of Groningen.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1997 - Dr.ir. Berend Smit
Berend Smit received the KNCV Gold Medal for his work on computer simulations and calculations relating to, among other things, the absorption of gas and liquid molecules.
Read an article about Berend Smit in the Volkskrant newspaper here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1996 - Dr. Sjaak Neefjes
Sjaak Neefjes works at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.
Read an article about Sjaak Neefjes on the C2W website here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1995 - Dr. Peter Grootenhuis †
Peter Grootenhuis received the KNCV Gold Medal for his work in molecular toxicology.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1994 - Dr. Ewine van Dishoeck
“We use the molecules as diagnostics in a specific astronomical field. Nebulae surrounding stars and planets are unique chemical laboratories with extreme temperatures and extremely low densities.”
Read the interview with Ewine van Dishoeck from C2W-10, 2012 here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1993 - Prof.dr. Bert Meijer
“Chemistry has become the linchpin of modern science. Yet it remains a field that operates on the basis of detailed molecular thinking.”
Read the interview with Bert Meijer from C2W-9, 2005 here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1992 - Dr.ir. Ad Bax
Ad Bax is considered the absolute expert in the field of NMR on biological molecules. He has won numerous awards, including the KNCV Gold Medal.
Read the interview with Ad Bax from C2W-20, 2005 here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1991 - Dr. Jan van der Eijk
Jan van der Eijk received his award partly for the work he did in his early days at Shell on the electrochemical epoxidation of olefins and partly for his work on oxidative dehydrogenations during his time as head of a process development department.
Read the interview with Jan van der Eijk on the C2W website here.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1990 - Dr. Hans Schoemaker
Hans Schoemaker received the KNCV Gold Medal for his pioneering work in the field of synthesis and biocatalysis. He obtained his PhD in Nico Speckamp's group at the University of Amsterdam and then worked at DSM in Geleen. He was best known for his research into the degradation of lignin and industrial synthesis routes using enzymes.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1989 - Prof.dr.ir. Paul Smith
Paul Smith received the KNCV Gold Medal for his work in the field of oriented polymers.

KNCV Gouden Medaille 1988 - Dr. Stan van Boeckel
Stan van Boeckel received the KNCV Gold Medal for his breakthroughs in the synthesis of a heparin fragment and a carbohydrate vaccine.
Read the interview with Stan van Boeckel from C2W-17, 2014 here.

1987
Mr.dr. W.F. van Gunsteren (theoretical chemist)

1986
Dr. T.J. Odijk (polymer chemist)

1985
Dr. ir. J.M.H.M. Scheutjens (physical chemist) †

1984
Dr. H.V. Westerhoff (biochemist)

1983
Dr. P.J. Lemstra (polymer chemist)

1982
Dr. G. van Koten (inorganic chemist)

1981
Dr. R.A. van Santen (organic/catalytic)

1980
Dr. B. de Kruijff (biochemist)

1979
Dr.ir. W.G.J. Hol (physical chemist)

1978
Dr. K.W.A. Wirtz (biochemist)

1977
Dr. D.A. Wiersma (physical chemist)

1976
Dr. J.W. Verhoeven (organic chemist)

1975
Dr. J.H. van Boom (organic chemist) †

1974
Dr. F. Meijer (solid state chemist) †

1973
Dr. A.J.M. Berns (biochemist)

1972
Ir. A.H. de Rooij (technoloog) †

1971
Dr. R. Kaptein (theoretisch organicus)

1970
Dr. G. Blasse (theoretisch anorganicus en vaste stof fysicus) †

1969
Dr. ir. J.M. Oelderik (theoretical chemist) †

1967
Dr. H.M. Buck (theoretical organic chemist) †

1965
Dr. J.S.C. Wessels (biochemist) †

Nominate

The candidate must have demonstrated considerable abilities as a researcher. In particular, through publications or patents, he/she must have demonstrated scientific originality and productivity and a good understanding of the general issues in his/her field. In addition, one criterion for assessment is the significance of the research conducted for the development of chemistry in the broadest sense.

For a proper assessment, the recommendation must explain why the candidate in question is so exceptional that he/she would be eligible for the prize. Criteria that may be considered include:

the originality, productivity, and level of the research conducted;
the candidate's own contribution and independence in the design and implementation of the research;
the extent to which the candidate inspires or leads others in their research;
the influence that his/her work has outside his/her own circle;
the cross-border nature of the research.

Young Dutch researchers who are under the age of 40 at the close of the nomination period are eligible for the medal. Non-Dutch nationals who have been working in the Netherlands for a considerable period of time are also eligible. The Committee also welcomes nominations from researchers working in industrial research and development positions. If industrially sensitive information is involved, additional confidentiality can be guaranteed by appointing one or more confidential advisors in consultation with the employer to assist in the assessment.

To nominate a candidate, please send us:

a written motivation letter with a concise CV
a list of publications, patents, and invited lectures
the names of two referees

The deadline for nominating candidates has passed.

Nominations can be sent to kncv@kncv.nl

General

1.	The KNCV Gold Medal is awarded by the KNCV board once a year on the basis of a recommendation made to the board by the Selection Committee.
2.	The prize consists of the KNCV Gold Medal and a certificate.

he Selection Committee
3.	The members of the Selection Committee are appointed by the KNCV Board on the basis of nominations of potential candidates by the current members of the Selection Committee, the KNCV sections, and the KNCV Board, coordinated by the KNCV Board member responsible for Awards.
4.	The Selection Committee consists of a chair and at least four members who are actively working in the various fields covered by the KNCV sections. The members have a proven track record in academia or in the chemical industry. One of the members is also a board member of the KNCV.
5.	The Selection Committee elects a chairperson from among its members.
6.	Members of the Selection Committee are appointed for three years, with the possibility of a three-year extension.
7.	If a member of the Selection Committee has ties to a candidate, he or she does not participate in the deliberations concerning that candidate.
8.	The Selection Committee assesses the nominations submitted on the basis of the criteria set out in the Criteria section.
9.	The Selection Committee will maintain confidentiality in its work with regard to the names of the candidates.

The candidates
10.	Persons who have demonstrated considerable competence as researchers in the fields covered by the members of the KNCV are eligible for the award. In particular, through publications or patents, he/she must have demonstrated scientific originality and quality that has had a major impact on the field. Candidates must also have a good understanding of the general issues in their field.
11.	Nominations of researchers working in industrial research and development positions are also eligible. If industrially sensitive information is involved, additional confidentiality can be guaranteed by appointing one or more confidential advisors in consultation with the employer to assist in the assessment.
12.	Researchers who are younger than 40 at the close of the nomination period are eligible for the medal. Researchers (regardless of their nationality) whose independent career has largely taken place in the Netherlands are eligible. Dutch nationals with a career abroad are also eligible.
13.	Candidates who are older than the specified age and have performed care duties* may invoke the rules on the application of care duties.
14.	Board members and employees of the KNCV are not eligible for the Gold Medal.

The nomination
15.	The KNCV office invites all KNCV members to submit nominations. The nomination must be accompanied by a written motivation with a concise CV; a list of publications, patents, and invited lectures; the names of two referees.
16.	For a proper assessment, the recommendation must explain why the candidate in question is so exceptional that he/she should be considered for the award.

The criteria

17.

Criteria that may be taken into account include:

the significance of the research conducted for the development of chemistry in the broadest sense;
the originality, quality, and impact of the research conducted;
the quality of publications and patents;
the candidate's own contribution and independence in the design and implementation of the research;
the extent to which the candidate inspires or leads others in their research;
the influence of his/her work outside his/her own circle;
the cross-border nature of the research.

Activities that make chemistry visible to society can be decisive in the assessment of equivalent candidates.

The procedure
18.	The Selection Committee reaches a decision through a transparent and balanced process involving the following steps: ranking of the candidates by the committee members, discussion of the candidates, revised ranking followed by a selection in a committee meeting.
19.	The Selection Committee may be assisted in its work by a number of experts (working in the Netherlands or abroad). These experts shall submit their advice in writing.
20.	The Selection Committee shall submit its advice in writing to the KNCV Board. The material on which this advice is based shall be enclosed with the advice. A brief assessment shall be given for each candidate and, for the winner, an indication shall be given, based on the above criteria, of why this candidate is preferred over the other candidates.
21.	The Selection Committee issues its recommendation based on a majority vote.
22.	The KNCV board adopts the committee's recommendation, unless there are compelling reasons not to do so. In that case, the KNCV board will clearly indicate why it is deviating from the recommendation. In the event of rejection, the prize will not be awarded.
23.	Announcement of the winner, sending information to the persons who nominated candidates, awarding of the prize, publication of the considerations, etc. will take place as described in the “KNCV Gold Medal” script.
24.	The chair of the Selection Committee will draw up a statement of reasons, which will be approved by the KNCV board at least one month before the presentation of the Gold Medal.
25.	In all cases not covered by these regulations, the KNCV board will decide.

*Care responsibilities

Care responsibilities only apply to candidates who are/were on demonstrable parental leave, maternity leave, or care leave, or who combine a part-time position with care responsibilities.
Pregnancy/parental leave:
- The biological mother of a child receives a standard 18-month extension per child, regardless of the length of the pregnancy and/or parental leave and regardless of when the children were born.
- The other parent receives a 6-month extension per child. Extensions for parents are only granted if the children are part of their own household. In this case, the total maximum extension is 5 years per parent.
Care leave:
- In the case of care leave for first-degree relatives, formal reduction in working hours is compensated. The formal reduction in working hours must be demonstrated with documents from the employer's Human Resources department.

Calculation table for parental/care leave compensation
	Full-time care duties	Part-time care duties
Children up to 4 years of age or first-degree relatives	…month x 1.0 FTE care x 1-year extension	month x 0. (x) FTE care x 1-year extension
Children aged 4 to 12	…month x 1.0 FTE care x 0.5-year extension	…month x 0. (x) FTE care x 0.5-year extension

Calculation example for 2 years of part-time (0.5 FTE) care for one or more children under the age of 4: 2 years x 0.5 FTE care x 1 FTE extension = 1 year extension

Illness
In the event of (long-term) illness, the formal reduction in working hours will be compensated
(see schedule below). The formal reduction in working hours must be demonstrated with
documents from your employer's Human Resources department.

Full-time absence due to illness	Part-time absence due to illness
...month x 1.0 FTE sick leave x 1 year extension	...month x 0. (x) FTE sick leave x 1 year extension

Approved by the KNCV board on January 10, 2019

KNCV Gold Medal

KNCV Gold Medal

Winner of the Gold Medal 2025

Winners of the KNCV Gold Medal

2024 - Dr. Caroline Paul

2023 - Prof.dr. Gerard van Westen

2022 - Prof.dr. Erik Garnett

2021 - Prof.dr.ing. Timothy Noël

2020 - Prof.dr.dr. Patricia Dankers

2019 - Prof.dr.ir. Ilja Voets

2018 - Prof.dr.ir. Pascal Jonkheijm

2017 - Prof.dr. Nathalie Katsonis

2016 - Prof.dr. Syuzanna Harutyunyan

2015 - Prof.dr. Sjors Scheres

2013 - Prof.dr. Geert Kops

2012 - Prof.dr.ir. Luc Brunsveld

2011 - Dr. Huib Ovaa †

2010 - Prof.dr. Jeroen Cornelissen

2009 - Prof.dr. Mischa Bonn

2008 - Prof.dr. Hermen Overkleeft

2007 - Prof.dr.ir. Jurriaan Huskens

2006 - Prof.dr.ir. Bert Weckhuysen

2005 - Dr. Albert Schenning

2004 - Prof.dr. Huib Bakker

Previous winners

Nominate

KNCV Gold Medal Regulations

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