In 2026, the Eijkman Medal will be awarded to a female scientist in the spirit of International Women’s Day. Christiaan Eijkman was a Dutch doctor and researcher who investigated tropical diseases during his work in the former Dutch East Indies. He pioneered research on the disease beriberi and demonstrated the importance of vitamins for health, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1929.

The Eijkman Medal is awarded to honour his work and stimulate research into Global Health. The medal is awarded to researchers who, like Eijkman, carry out innovative and important research in the field of Global Health. Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues. Read the requirements below and submit your nomination.

Requirements

Dutch nationality is not a requirement for the nominee. But in addition to making outstanding contributions to research relevant to Global Health, female candidates need to work at, or closely with, a Dutch university or institution.

The Medal is intended for researchers who are actively engaged in ongoing Global Health research and who possess significant experience and expertise. Whilst the medal is awarded for scientific excellence and impact, the jury recognizes the importance of team work, mentoring and international collaborations in their selection.

The candidate:

Has made outstanding contributions to research relevant to Global Health. Global Health here encompasses global health issues with a high burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

• She has been awarded a PhD and leads an active research group with a fundamental and/or applied research agenda.
• She works at a Dutch university or institution or works closely with researchers at Dutch universities or institutions.
• She is mid-career, as indicated by a significant level of experience, expertise, and an active research agenda.
• NB: Dutch nationality is not a requirement or prerequisite

The nomination consists of the following parts:

1. Description of the candidate’s significant contribution to the scientific field and why this researcher is eligible to be awarded the prize (scientific & recommendation narrative, max. 1000 words). The narrative should be constructed as follows:
   • What knowledge on the topic of the candidate already existed?
   • In what context has the candidate conducted research?
   • What new insights has the researcher added?
   • Why does this make an important contribution to the field? What are the (foreseeable) scientific and/or societal consequences?
   • The role played outside the direct field of academic research (e.g. in education/capacity strengthening, mentoring, team science, scientific policy, health policy).

2. CV including overview of:
   • most important publications of the candidate. This does not require a complete list of publications, but a substantiation of the scientific narrative with a selection of a maximum of 20 publications with complete details (complete list of authors, journal, doi, etc)
   • most important (side) positions/memberships etc
   • most important scientific lectures. Max 10.
   • contribution to knowledge transfer and education
   • description of the candidate’s research team; this may include partnerships and alumni
   • any prizes the candidate and/or team members may have received
   • NB: In CV assessment, contextual factors such as time since promotion, career breaks, parental leave, and other relevant circumstances will be considered.

Do you have questions? Please contact Mirjam Bakker: m.bakker@kit.nl

Ready to nominate? Please do so before February 22nd.