To be nominated, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• You are a current or recent (up to 3 years ago) PhD student at Leiden University’s Faculty of Science, or a postdoctoral researcher who received your PhD no longer than 3 years ago.

• Your research has resulted in a first-author article accepted for publication in a scientific journal.

• Your research is in life sciences, (environmental) health science or biotech, aiming to improve human health or wellbeing.

• Your research includes a data science component, such as advanced data analysis or AI development/application.

• Your research demonstrates high societal relevance—not only through the topic, but also through the candidate’s own efforts, including practical applications, policy influence, or other benefits to society (including, but not limited to, economic impact).

Each year, the eight institutes of Leiden University’s Faculty of Science may each nominate up to two candidates for the Krijn Rietveld Doctoral Societal Impact Award. Nominations are submitted by the Scientific Director via a nomination form provided by the Faculty Office.

A single assessment committee will review all nominations and select the winners of both the Graduate and the Doctoral Societal Impact Awards.

A representative from dsm-firmenich chairs the committee. The committee includes representatives from Leiden University’s Knowledge Exchange Office Luris, the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), and the Faculty Office of the Faculty of Science.

The jury will evaluate all nominations equally based on the following criteria:

• Scientific quality

• Societal impact

• Interdisciplinarity

The winners will be invited to receive their award in person at the awards ceremony during the Faculty Opening of the Academic Year on Tuesday 1 September 2026. Afterwards, there will be a reception (borrel) for all students and staff of the Faculty.