The Athena Award rewards female researchers that stand out, and because of that are role models for others. Role models are important for female researchers who are starting their careers. These role models demonstrate that a career in science is possible. This year, NWO rewarded two female researchers with the Athena Award including €50.000 prize money.
One of the Athena Award winners of 2023 is Prof. Dr. Marieke Huisman.

Jury report

Prof. dr. Marieke Huisman is a professor in Software reliability and chair of the Computer Science department at the Univeristy of Twente. Her research is focused on the reliability and correctness of concurrent and distributed software.
Professor Huisman has been an inspirational role model for generations of students and colleagues in Computer Sciences, a field in which representation by women is scarce. Next to her outstanding research activities, the committee admires the positive changes prof. Huisman established as institute director and chair of the ambassador network regarding work-life balance, equal opportunities for women, and diversity and inclusion at conferences. Furthermore, the committee praises her efforts in the field to attract more girls in computer sciences. The event ‘Alice & Eve, a celebration of women in computing’ that she co-created is a good example of these efforts.

More information about Prof. Dr. Marieke Huisman