The Dutch Prize for ICT Research 2026 has been awarded to dr. Robbert Krebbers, associate professor of Software Science at Radboud University Nijmegen.
Dr. Robbert Krebbers succeeds in translating deep theoretical work into practical, globally used tools for software verification. The open‑source framework Iris that Krebbers co-leads has enormous international impact in both science and industry, underscored by prestigious awards, major grants, and broad adoption. Robbert Krebbers belongs to the international top in programming languages and software verification. Moreover, he also is an excellent supervisor of students and an active force in outreach and education. Krebbers combines profound theory, practical impact, community building, and international recognition in a way that is truly exceptional within the ICT research community. As a result, he puts the Netherlands firmly on the global map in programming‑language research.
The jury for the Dutch Prize for ICT Research 2026 consisted of Prof. Frank van Harmelen (VU), Prof. Joost-Pieter Katoen (UT), and Prof. Maarten van Steen (UT). The jury meeting was chaired by KHMW societal member Prof. Paul Hilbers. Also present was Prof. Ad IJzerman, secretary for natural and medical sciences at KHMW.
The prestigious Dutch Prize for ICT research is awarded annually to a scientific researcher who has conducted innovative research or who has been responsible for a scientific breakthrough in ICT within 15 years of earning their PhD. Since 2023 the prize is funded all members* of the ICT research platform Netherlands (IPN) with a grant from COMMIT/, through the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW). In addition to the prize money Krebbers will also record a video to explain his award-winning work and its significance. This will be distributed to schools and other knowledge institutes.
Dr. Robbert Krebbers will receive his award at a ceremony during NWO ICT.OPEN2026, which will take place on 15 and 16 April 2026 in De Doelen, Rotterdam.
The previous winners of the Dutch Prize for ICT research are:
- Professor Hannes Mühleisen – Radboud University/CWI (2025)
- Dr. Ivano Malavolta– VU University (2024)
- Dr. Cristiano Giuffrida– VU University (2023)
- Dr. Jasmin Blanchette – VU University (2022)
- Dr. Felienne Hermans – Leiden University (2021)
- Dr. Pablo Cesar – Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) (2020)
- Professor Elmar Eisemann – Delft University of Technology (2019)
- Professor Joost Batenburg – CWI/ Leiden University (2018)
- Dr. Peter Schwabe – Nijmegen University (2017)
- Professor Alexandru Iosup – Delft University of Technology/ VU Amsterdam (2016)
- Dr. Birna van Riemsdijk – Delft University of Technology (2015)
- Professor Marieke Huisman – University of Twente (2013)
- Dr. Cees Snoek – University of Amsterdam (2012)
- Professor Bettina Speckmann – Eindhoven University of Technology (2011)
About KHMW
The Royal Holland Society for Sciences and Humanities was founded in 1752. Its goal is to promote science and to build bridges between science and society. It does so by holding competitions, presenting awards for scientific achievements, organizing lectures, and staging scientific conferences. The Royal Holland Society for Sciences and Humanities has been based at Hodshon House in Haarlem since 1841. www.khmw.nl
* Except WUR