This is the first time a UvA researcher has received the Stevin Prize.

Groundbreaking and with a major impact on society

How is democracy influenced by AI, the media and digital technologies? The NWO selection committee calls the work of De Vreese, University Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Society at the UvA, both groundbreaking and with a major impact on society. 'De Vreese advises governments, frequently appears as an expert in national and international media, and he has also built institutions to better understand the relationship between social media, technology and democracy.'

'By doing so, he effectively addresses issues such as the power of big tech, the rise of technologies like AI and the future of democracy. He successfully analyses and demands attention for urgent issues that are facing society. For his achievements in the field of knowledge utilisation, De Vreese receives the Stevin Prize, because besides his achievements as a researcher in the field of communication and comparative European politics, he sets the trend with innovative research methods and by building strong institutions with real impact on society.’

A great honour

Claes de Vreese: ‘It’s overwhelming and a great honour to receive the Stevin Prize. I mainly see this as an encouragement for interdisciplinary research into communication, technology and democracy to help create a better society. Sharing knowledge is both inspiring and crucial and wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic teams, colleagues and most of all new talented and ambitious young researchers.’

Peter-Paul Verbeek, Rector Magnificus of the UvA: ‘We are immensely proud that Claes is receiving this prize. He is not only a leading researcher, but also engages with society as few can, and works tirelessly in the Netherlands and beyond to link the social sciences and humanities with societal challenges, technology and innovation.’

Christa Boer, dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences: ‘Claes demonstrates with razor-sharp clarity how the media shape our democracy and illustrates flawlessly the impact this has on society. With his incisive analyses and deep engagement in public debate, he provides direction for journalists, politicians and citizens alike. He is a major source of inspiration to our faculty and to his colleagues and students, and I am very proud to have him among us.’

Fellow laureates

In addition to De Vreese, Iris Sommers, professor of Psychiatry at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and the University of Groningen, will receive a Stevin Prize this year. The winners of this year’s NWO Spinoza Prizes are Hermen Overkleeft (professor of Bio‑organic Chemistry at Leiden University) and Karin Roelofs (professor of Clinical Psychology at Radboud University). The researchers are receiving the prizes in recognition of their outstanding, groundbreaking and inspiring work. Both prizes focus on the quality of the researcher. While the Spinoza Prize primarily honours scientific work and fundamental issues, the Stevin Prize focuses on societal impact.

Award ceremony

The four prizes will be presented at an award ceremony on 7 October 2026. During this event, the winners will discuss their research in more detail and explain how they intend to use the prize money.