Climate scientists insist on governmental action, new historical walk in Utrecht, and more

At Utrecht University’s Faculty of Science, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments, breakthroughs, and achievements that shape our academic landscape. In this newsflash, you will find quick, bite-sized updates on a range of topics that we wish to share with you in addition to the other, more extensive articles in our newsfeed.

Climate scientists send open letter to Dutch government

"Embrace the wealth of climate knowledge: delaying incurs greater costs." This is the resounding message conveyed by a dozen distinguished Dutch climate scientists in an open letter addressed to the government. These esteemed academics contend that previous administrations have taken a rather lenient stance on addressing the climate crisis, and they express their deep-seated dissatisfaction with this approach. Furthermore, they offer invaluable insights on how to formulate more effective climate policies. Among the signatories of this letter are Utrecht Professors Sybren Drijfhout, Roderik van de Wal, and Detlef van Vuuren, alongside Associate Professor Marjolijn Haasnoot. For a comprehensive understanding of their perspective, please refer to the article featured in the reputable newspaper Trouw (in Dutch).

Utrecht Time Machine launches historical walk 'Rondje Singel'

Visual art and storytelling converge in the city walk "Rondje Singel," created by Utrecht University's history platform Utrecht Time Machine. The walk is based on the book "Rondje Singel," written by artist Jeroen Hermkens and Willem-Hendrik Gispen, former rector magnificus of Utrecht University. Embark on a journey, whether on foot or by boat, and explore Utrecht's scenic outdoor Singel, where you'll be captivated by the enchanting tales shared by Gispen and the visual art crafted by Hermkens, all within just five-kilometers.

Jitske Hell, compiler of the walk, hopes that 'Rondje Singel' will give people the opportunity to (better) appreciate the history and beauty of Utrecht's canal area: "Jeroen Hermkens and Willem-Hendrik Gispen both love Utrecht, but express this differently: in image and in language. These forms complement each other; Jeroen Hermkens' artworks and Willem-Hendrik Gispen's stories bring each other to life."

Wim Hennink recieves the KHMW Dr. Saal van Zwanenberg Honorary Prize

Prof. Wim Hennink has been selected as a winner of the Dr. Saal van Zwanenberg Honorary Prize. The prize is awarded by the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW). Hennink will receive the award on 14 November 2023, together with Prof. Joke Bouwstra (Leiden University) and Prof. Erik Frijlink (University of Groningen).

Hennink served as head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is an expert on the design and application of biodegradable polymers for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes. He has since been retired.

The KHMW awards the Dr. Saal van Zwanenberg Honorary Prize biennially to distinguished scientists in research areas leading directly or indirectly to the development of new medicines or the processes surrounding them. The prize is awarded alternately to a researcher or a clinician. The prize is named after Saal van Zwanenberg, who founded the pharmaceutical company Organon in 1923.

Update 16 November 2023
The awarding ceremony and jury report can now be reviewed on the KHMW website (available in Dutch only). The jury was "certainly (...) very impressed with Professor Hennink's fundamental and innovative research on polymers, as well as the potential application thereof for the administration of important classes of pharmaceuticals."