Twelve young researchers received the Early Career Award from KNAW. The Award, a sum of €15,000 and an art object, is aimed at researchers in the Netherlands at the start of their career who are capable of developing innovative and original research ideas. This is the first time that the Academy Early Career Awards have been granted. 

The winners come from all scientific disciplines. They are researching topics such as anatomical collections, the ‘flow’ of conversations, how computers can learn social aspects of language, the role of emotion in politics, and predicting droughts and floods. 

One of the twelve award winners is Geert Litjens. He uses artificial intelligence to fundamentally change the research of tissues by pathologists. He develops smart computer algorithms that detect and interpret anomalies. His work is already quoted and imitated all over the world. Litjens’ work can radically change an important part of the health care system.