In a festive ceremony held on October 25, 2023, the winners of the second EUR Open and Responsible Science Awards were unveiled. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions to open and responsible science, recognizing individuals and teams who have made remarkable strides in fields like open research, open education, and societal engagement.
Open Research: MycetOS Project Champions Open Research for Neglected Tropical Diseases
In the category of Open Research, the spotlight shone on the remarkable MycetOS project, a collaborative effort led by Wendy van de Sande from Erasmus MC and Matthew Todd from University College London. MycetOS is an open-source initiative dedicated to the discovery of new treatments for mycetoma, a Neglected Tropical Disease. The MycetOS community's tireless work aims to uncover a cure for this ailment that has long been overlooked by the pharmaceutical industry. The judges commended the project for its impactful work on behalf of neglected populations, effectively improving the lives of those who have been marginalized.
Open Education: 'From Science to Society' Course Pioneers Open Education for Responsible Research and Innovation
For Open Education, the course 'From Science to Society' and its coordinator, Natalie Terzikhan and team, alongside the JoinUs4Health consortium at Erasmus MC, was awarded. This course has been recognized for its role in shaping a future-ready generation of scientists based on the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) philosophy. The interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with multiple universities were highlighted by the jury for their substantial impact on society and their contributions to educational innovation.
Societal Engagement: CollectieveKracht Empowers Communities with Science-Based Knowledge
In the category of Societal Engagement, CollectieveKracht, coordinated by Lukas Held and the research group Social Enterprises & Institutions for Collective Action at RSM, received the accolade. This innovative knowledge-sharing platform equips citizen collectives with reliable, science-based knowledge, empowering them to develop into more resilient organizations, regardless of their size, location, or sector. The teams dedication to community-building, with an emphasis on sustainability and collaboration with various stakeholders, was lauded by the judges for providing valuable access to big data.
The winners were each presented with a €2,500 prize for their outstanding projects that promote open scholarly practices. These awards were handed over by Dr. Maarten Boksem, Vice Chair of the Erkennen & Waarderen program, underlining the importance of recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of the applicants.
The judging panel, consisting of Dr. Andreas Alfons, Ana Barbosa Mendes, Dr. Savannah Boele, Dr. John Mills, and Dr. Abby Onencan (Chair), was deeply impressed by the quality and diversity of the 31 submissions. As Dr. Onencan eloquently put it, "these awards are a testament to the exceptional work and contributions these individuals and teams have made to their respective fields."
Congratulations to all the winners of the EUR Open and Responsible Science Awards. Your dedication and innovation are driving positive change in the world of research and education.
- More information
For more information and the complete jury report, please contact: willem.scholten@eur.nl