Chris Hartgerink winner of the Leo Waaijers Open Science Award 2025
Chris Hartgerink, founder of ResearchEquals
The Leo Waaijers Open Science Award 2025 from UKB has been won by Chris Hartgerink, the founder of ResearchEquals
The award was presented on October 24 during the Open Science Festival in Groningen by Jacquelien Scherpen, rector magnificus of the University of Groningen.
The jury statement
ResearchEquals is an imaginative, complete rethink of academic publishing put into practice. Chris Hartgerink followed in the footsteps of Leo Waaijers by not only having the idea but also executing it: hris really did step into the footsteps of Leo Waaijers by not only getting the idea but also putting it into practice by developing this idea further. It is a wonderful example of putting Open Science into practice and demonstrating personal courage. The jury is convinced that this innovative model of scholarly communication is exactly what is needed right now and hopes that this award will serve as an incentive for the next phase of ResearchEquals.
During the Award ceremony the two other shortlisted nominees were also put in the spotlight.
EnvisionBox-team
Wim Pouw, Babajide Owoyele, James Trujillo, Davide Ahmar, Šárka Kadavá, Aleksandra Cwiek
The jury statement
EnvisionBox truly brings Open Science into practice. It is not just a research tool but also explains how research is conducted, enabling early-career researchers, students, and even citizen scientists to get started easily. Its success is evident from the high number of visitors. The team has ambitious plans to expand the platform to other fields and research methods. The jury praises this initiative as exceptionally well thought-out, accessible, and exemplary for Open Science.
The coordinating team of the Barcelona Declaration
Ludo Waltman, Bianca Kramer and Cameron Neylon
The jury statement
The Barcelona Declaration has had a tremendous impact in a very short time. It has led to direct action by both administrators and researchers and has increased global awareness of the need for transparency. CWTS deserves special recognition as one of the driving forces behind the declaration, as it represents a significant change in the way they organize their services. The jury was unanimously enthusiastic about this initiative.
The jury received a total of 26 nominations.
Read the full jury report Leo Waaijers Open Science Award 2025