Campus Groningen is thriving with young talent whose pioneering research and groundbreaking ideas are making a tangible societal impact. Two recent awards highlight that our Campus is a place where science, innovation, and entrepreneurship come together to make the world healthier, fairer, and smarter.
Dr. Aranka Ballering has been named Science Talent of the Year 2025 by New Scientist. Her research on gender and sex differences in healthcare demonstrates how subtle assumptions can be identified and challenged using data. She has shown that women experience more frequent and severe complaints, yet receive less diagnostic attention than men. By combining medical, sociological, and historical perspectives, Ballering is working toward care that better meets the needs of both women and men—a groundbreaking contribution with international relevance.
Students from the University of Groningen also made their mark on the national stage. During the final of Most Innovative Students of the Netherlands 2025, Ark Deliev and Olivia Monné won with their initiative Edion, an AI tool that reduces administrative burdens for teachers and allows them to focus on what really matters: teaching. Their victory included a growth trip to the international startup festival Slush in Helsinki. Their innovation represents a significant step toward future-proof education worldwide.
Bas Emaus was also recognized as Most Innovative Student of the Netherlands 2025 for his initiative JiTiBa, which uses algae to purify water circularly and capture CO₂. Through this innovative approach, Bas contributes to cleaner water and a more sustainable world. As part of his prize, he received a fully funded growth trip to Silicon Valley, further expanding the impact of his sustainable solution.
The achievements of Aranka, Ark, Olivia, and Bas demonstrate how Campus Groningen is a hub for scientific talent and innovative entrepreneurs. Together, they are developing solutions that improve healthcare, strengthen education, and create societal impact—both locally and internationally. This is a source of pride for the entire Campus community.
Source: University of Groningen, Sustainable Business
Photo: Most Innovative Student 2025 Award, photographer Jesse Wensing
Who is developing the most impactful innovation in Life Sciences & Health in the Northern Netherlands? Five companies are in the running for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2026: Flux Robotics, Limosa Immunodiagnostics, SPCTR, MimeCure and GlycanScan International. The nominees will present their innovations on Tuesday 22 September during the fifth edition of the LIFE Science Conference in Groningen. An independent jury will select the winner, who will receive a €10,000 cash prize.
A much-loved tradition The Campus Trail has become a much-loved tradition on campus. Students, employees and professionals from companies and organisations across the campus ecosystem lace up their running shoes for a sporty 6.4-kilometre route through buildings and past some of the campus’s unique labs. The rapid growth in registrations shows just how much the Campus Trail has become part of the campus community. The combination of sport, meeting others and the unique campus setting makes the run a great opportunity to connect with people outside the usual work and study environment. And there’s no need to head home as soon as you cross the finish line. During the after-party, hosted by Contini Catering, participants can relax together, enjoy a drink and celebrate the afternoon. There’s still time to join: those who want to take part can register online until 3 September, or sign up on the day itself using the PIN Campus Trail 2026 | Campus Groningen.
ZonMw is expected to open the final call for proposals within the PharmaNL Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) program line. This program line focuses on strengthening the infrastructure for the development, upscaling, and production of innovative medicines in the Netherlands.
