The KVAB and the Young Academy annually present awards to researchers who have dedicated themselves intensively to a specific science communication project over the past two years. This year, 12 researchers or research teams from various scientific fields were recognized for their creative and accessible communication, highlighting the importance of the bond between scientists and the public.
From UGent, Elena Lievens and Wim Derave (Department of Movement and Sports Sciences) received an award for their book and project ‘De Beweegreden’ (The Motivation), making scientific insights about movement as medicine accessible. Through a book, audiobook, podcast, media appearances, and public lectures, they have been conveying their message for years in a well-founded and accessible manner, aiming to truly motivate behavioral change.
Patricia Clement (Department of Diagnostic Sciences) is recognized for her project ‘Het vrouwelijke brein ontrafeld’ (Unraveling the Female Brain). She brings attention to a significant blind spot in neuroscience: the female brain has long been systematically underexposed in scientific research. She makes this complex scientific topic accessible to a broad audience, emphasizing the need for more attention to sex differences in brain research.
Sara Lembrechts (Department of European, Public and International Law) receives an award for her socially relevant project concerning children and young people in asylum appeal procedures. She makes scientific insights about children's rights and access to justice accessible to this vulnerable group, actively involving them and giving them a voice to strengthen their rights and improve their participation in life-altering procedures.
Laura Nys (Department of History) is honored for her contribution to ‘OUTLAW’, a project in collaboration with the State Archives that uncovers the lives of people in detention during the 19th century. Using historical true crime stories as an original and engaging angle, she sparks public interest in history and the often-unknown richness of judicial archives, while also involving citizens in the scientific process through a participatory approach.
