Professor Frits Rosendaal receives royal honour at farewell gathering
Laureate
Professor Frits Rosendaal was appointed Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion during his farewell gathering as Professor of Clinical Epidemiology. Mayor Peter Heijkoop presented him with the award at his farewell lecture on Friday 9 October in the Academy Building.
Rosendaal received the honour for his exceptional scientific achievements and the significant societal impact of his work for healthcare, scientific integrity and the public debate. He achieved an international reputation as a renowned researcher in the field of thrombosis and coagulation disorders. His large-scale studies on the causes of venous thrombosis (blocking of arteries) combined genetic and environmental factors. His research on Factor V Leiden (a genetic coagulation abnormality) and the thrombosis risk of certain anti-conception pills had a worldwide impact on knowledge, guidelines, prescription practice and patient care.
Rigorous and trustworthy scientific research
Beside his scientific work, Rosendaal has been an active supporter of rigorous and reliable research over many years. He is Co-Chair of the Committee for Academic Integrity at Leiden University and LUMC, and holds internal functions in the field of research and publishing integrity. He has also led and advised national and international organisations in the area of thrombosis and haemostasis.
Advice during the corona pandemic
Rosendaal played an important societal and advisory role during the corona pandemic. He was chair of the COVID-19 Coordination Committee of the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centres, and advised the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport on innovative treatments. He appeared regularly in the media to explain scientific developments and uncertainties for the general public.
Rosendaal has published over 1,200 scientific articles, and his work has been cited more than 800,000 times. He has received significant awards, including the Spinoza Prize, for his research. He is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), the German Leopoldina science academy and Academia Europaea. His retirement marks a scientific career in Leiden spanning over 40 years, where research, patient care and societal responsibility have been closely intertwined.