Nominees Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 | Interviews
Each year, the University of Groningen recognizes outstanding achievements by its researchers and students in the field of knowledge utilisation through the Ben Feringa Impact Award. The award highlights academics and students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to translating knowledge into practice. The sixth edition of the Ben Feringa Impact Awards will be presented on 9 June 2026 at Forum Groningen.
Knowledge utilisation refers to connecting scientific research with professional (non-academic) and/or societal practice, including economic applications. The award is presented in two categories: researchers and students. Below, the nominees explain in their own words who they are, what their research or project involves, and the impact they are making.
Category researcher
In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Matilde Ficozzi and Dario Rodighiero with the research on visualizing data with the Grounding AI Map.
In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Sasha Ivashchenko with the research on safer PET/CT imaging for children.
In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Giovanni Maglia with the research on nanopore technology for protein sequencing and personalized healthcare.
Category student
In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Sofie, Feyona, Caroline and Klarissa and their research of the wainscotting at Museum Janning.
In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Thijs van der Laan with the research on AI-assisted communication for people with aphasia.
In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Maruna Manthe with the research on gender equity in the circular construction sector in Friesland.
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