Jonas Bornemann awarded the Gratama Science Prize for his research into European migration law

The 2026 Gratama Science Prize has been awarded to Jonas Bornemann. His research focuses on one of the most controversial areas of law: European migration law. Since he first delved into this subject eight years ago, he has witnessed radical changes in asylum policy.

For instance, he has observed an increasing number of EU measures aimed at curbing migration, such as return hubs in non-EU countries and broader powers regarding, for example, detention, the searching of homes or the seizure of mobile phones and data.

‘The fundamental rights of newcomers are being curtailed’

This development has far-reaching consequences for the protection of migrants’ fundamental rights, but also for the constitutional balance within the European legal order. “Security comes first and the rights of newcomers are being curtailed,” he said recently in an interview with newspaper Dagblad van het Noorden.

Bornemann explores the legal limits of these restrictive reforms and analyses how changes in administrative practice affect the legal protection of individuals.

Research with impact

The jury of the Gratama Prize praises the social impact of his research. As a member of the Meijers Commission, he advises on European migration law. The Court of Justice of the European Union and national courts regularly refer to his work. His research is covered by international and national media. And he engages in public debate. For example, he has spoken out on the Orban government’s migration measures and on the consequences of visa liberalisation between the EU and the US.

Gratama Science Prize

The Gratama Science Prize is intended to encourage young, promising and active scientists who distinguish themselves through innovative, high-profile and socially relevant research. Every other year, the prize is awarded to a member of staff at the University of Groningen and Leiden University. This year it was Groningen’s turn. Bornemann received the prize of 20,000 euros from Reinier Gratama, chair of the board of the Gratama Foundation.

The other nominees, Jana Holthöwer from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and Xin Sun from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, each received 2,500 euros.

Bornemann intends to use the prize money to organise a workshop on the legal mechanisms that enable more restrictive migration policies. “I want to bring experts in this field to Groningen and, following the meeting, produce a special issue for a leading journal in this field.” He also intends to spend three months conducting research at another university.

Video

Watch the video about his research here