Thesis / PhD Prize 2024

Students and recent graduates typically possess a healthy dose of curiosity and optimism. The large amount of new knowledge they acquire in a short period often inspires them and is full of innovative ideas. This is often reflected in their research projects and thesis reports/articles.

To highlight the good work of these young scholars and encourage them to further develop, share, and realize their ideas, we award prizes to recently graduated bachelor's, master's, and PhD students who have conducted an innovative and impactful research project in the field of global health.

This year, we received an incredible 36 submissions of exceptionally high quality, showcasing the diverse and impactful research being conducted in global health. After a thorough review by our expert jury, we are proud to present the winners of the 2024 KCGH Thesis/PhD Prize:

Bachelor Thesis Winner: Lara Schmale-Hüsemann

Title: Health Equity Analysis of the Africa CDC Strategy on Non-Communicable Diseases
Lara's research takes a critical look at how health equity is embedded within the Africa CDC's straregy on non-communicable diseases. Her analysis reveals that, while equity is a core objective, it is not consistently reflected in the strategy's approach. Drawing on principles of critical reflexivity, humility and agency, she highlights the role of power dynamics in shaping healthcare access and policy outcomes, offering essential insights for global health governance.

Master Thesis Winner: Robert Dasović

Title: Unheard Voices: Navigating through life histories of fragmented care for homeless people in Rotterdam
Robert's research sheds light on the lived experiences of homeless individuals in Rotterdam. By using Life History Interviewing and Life Mapping, he explores how trauma, exclusion and systemic neglect contribute to homelessness. His work emphasizes the need for trauma-informed, person-centred care and challenges healthcare systems to recognize and act on the voices and experiences of marginalized groups.

PhD Dissertation Winner: Tom Jacobs (Category: Global Child Health)

Title: Accelerating access to optimal anti-infective treatment for children living with HIV
Awarded in collaboration with the Expertisegroep Global Child Health
Tom's dissertation addresses the challenge of ensuring accessible, child-friendly HIV treatments for children living in low-resource settings. In collaboration with teams from Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, he explores ways to overcome the barriers to optimal anti-infective treatment. By emphasizing the role of clinical pharmacology as a key driver for improved access, his work provides practical solutions to one of the most pressing issues in global child health.

PhD Dissertation Winner: Lennart Maljaars

Title: Surgical Care and Innovation for Vesicovaginal Fistula
Lennart's research addresses the treatment of vesicovaginal fistulas, a stigmatised health issue affecting women in vulnerable settings. His dissertation focuses on improving conventional surgical methods and introducing innovative approaches to enhance treatment options. By highlighting the importance of technical advancements and social awareness, his work aims to improve care and reduce the stigma faced by affected women.