Leo Waaijers Open Science Award | NWO

"In 2024, UKB (University Libraries & National Library) established the Leo Waaijers Open Science Prize. The prize was established in memory of Leo Waaijers (1938–2023), a tireless advocate of open access and free access to academic publications. The Leo Waaijers Open Science Prize aims to recognise outstanding contributions to open science in the Netherlands by putting the spotlight on teams or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the principles of open science. By highlighting these achievements, the prize seeks to inspire others to apply and promote open science, stimulate innovation and strengthen the open science movement.

From 2026, NWO and UKB will join forces in a combined NWO UKB Leo Waaijers Open Science Prize. In addition to the honour, the prize consists of a statuette and a cash award of € 50,000, provided by NWO. With the Leo Waaijers Open Science Prize, NWO and UKB aim to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. The prize will be presented during the Open Science Festival, which Open Science NL organises annually in collaboration with partner organisations."