Robbert Maseland wins first Gratama Science Award

Robbert Maseland, assistant professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of the University of Groningen, has won the Gratama Science Award 2011. The new EUR 25,000 prize is meant as an encouragement to young scientists. It was presented to Maseland by Jan Gratama, head of the Gratama Foundation, during the Summer Ceremony on 1 July closing the academic year at the University of Groningen.

The Gratama Science Award will be awarded in alternate years to young and active researchers connected to Leiden University or the University of Groningen. Recipients must have distinguished themselves with innovative, socially relevant and high-profile research. 

Maseland

Dr Robbert Maseland (1975) studied applied economics and development studies at Radboud University Nijmegen, where he subsequently worked as researcher and lecturer and gained his PhD. Since 2009 he has been assistant professor at FEB’s International Economics and Business department of the University of Groningen.

According to the jury, Maseland has made a fundamental contribution to the field of economics by integrating values and norms into economic theory formulation. He ties together insights from sociology and psychology with economic theory, apparently with the greatest of ease, and is no stranger to controversy. In articles in leading journals, including Nature, Maseland has managed to prove that many existing methods used to measure values and preferences are actually wrong. He finds that differences in economic choices tend to reflect circumstances rather than deeply rooted values and opinions. The net result, according to Maseland, is that most people, given equal circumstances, would display the same behaviour.

Gratama Foundation

The Gratama Foundation is a family fund that was established in 1925 and located in Harlingen. The Foundation supports and promotes projects related to science and teaching that are relevant to society. Once a year, the Foundation gives a grant to staff of the University of Groningen and Leiden University. In doing so, it cooperates closely with the Leiden University Fund and the Groningen University Fund. 

Contact: Robbert Maseland