What is the KIVI EngD Award?

The KIVI EngD Award celebrates the outstanding achievements of recent EngD graduates who combine scientific rigor with real world impact.  It recognizes finalists who have used advanced engineering knowledge to solve complex challenges in industry, research or society. 

For applicants: By participating in the EngD Award you will gain exposure to a diverse and relevant network, receive one year free KIVI membership if you apply and attend the Award Ceremony. Furthermore you will obtain publicity if you win (potentially an interview in De Ingenieur and coverage through KIVI's communication channels) and lastly you can win a prestigious piece of art and a cash prize. 

Criteria and eligibility

Submissions are evaluated by an independent jury drawn from academia, industry and winder society. The judging is based on three main pillars: 

1. Innovation - creative and practical engineering solutions that push boundaries.

2. Impact - measurable contributions to industry, research or society.

3. Leadership & collaboration- inspiring teamwork, professional behaviour and knowledge transfer across disciplines. 

Participants graduate(d) from one of the associated EngD programmes in 2025. The winning project shows real, tangible value bridging academic research and industrial or societal need. Applicants may be asked to provide their full thesis and/or a reference from the project partner; confidentiality (NDA) arrangements are available if needed. 

Programme

 14:30 - 15:00 Walk in
 15:00 - 15:10Opening remarks by the KIVI vice president - Ing. Eef Smits
 15:10 - 15:45Keynote - Drs. Annette Nijs
Economist, former State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science, and active in the business sector for many years, including at Shell.
 15:45 - 16:30Announcement of the three finalists by ir. Jacolien Eijer, Jury Chair/President KIVI Awards Committee followed by short presentations (10 mins. each) given by the finalists
 16:30 - 17:00Break and networking
 17:00 - 17:30

Award Ceremony
Public Award Winner Announcement  by prof. dr. Mark van den Brand, Director of Stan Ackermans Institute followed by a presentation (10 mins.) given by the public award winner

KIVI EngD Award Winner Announcement by ir. Jacolien Eijer, Jury Chair/President KIVI Awards Committee

17:30 - 17:40Group Photo
17:30 - 19:00Network Drinks & Walking dinner
 

Benefits for EngD's (and others) to attend the Award ceremony:

  • To expand their professional network.
  • To meet other EngD graduates and peers.
  • To connect directly with industry representatives.
  • To have the opportunity to present and promote themselves and their work.
  • NOTE that all participants are essentially finalists. The winners are not “better” than the other contributors. Every submission represents high-level expertise and effort. However, the public's and jury's decision are final, no discussion of the outcome is possible.