Unlike many science prizes, the Stevin Prize is not only about scientific breakthroughs, but also about what that knowledge brings to society. Iris Sommer has demonstrated for years how fundamental research can lead to better care and the practical application of knowledge. In addition to new insights into how the brain functions, her work has led to new treatment methods, guidelines for medication use, new applications of artificial intelligence, and policy in the field of women’s health.
One of her societal contributions began with research into auditory hallucinations: hearing voices in the absence of actual sounds. As one of the first researchers, Sommer mapped out which brain regions are active during these episodes. This fundamental discovery led to a new multidisciplinary treatment for people suffering from persistent hallucinations. The approach has been adopted outside the Netherlands and is now internationally recognized as an example of good mental healthcare.
Her further research into schizophrenia and psychosis has also had major societal impact. Together with patients, relatives, and healthcare providers, Sommer investigated how people can safely taper off antipsychotic medication. Her studies showed that a carefully supervised tapering strategy can yield long-term benefits. These insights formed the basis for new Dutch and European guidelines for medication use in psychosis.
Sommer also demonstrated that men and women do not always respond the same to psychiatric disorders and treatments. Her research showed that female hormones such as estrogen influence brain function, can offer protection against psychoses, and affect how medicines work. She highlighted that much medical knowledge and treatment protocols based on research in men may not be optimal for women. Her work laid an important foundation for greater attention to sex differences in research and treatment, and influenced guidelines, medical education, and health policy, including the National Strategy for Women’s Health 2025–2030.
Sommer is among the researchers applying artificial intelligence in mental healthcare. Under her leadership, systems are being developed that can detect subtle changes in speech indicating an impending psychiatric relapse. This helps healthcare providers intervene earlier and offer timely support to patients. These applications are being tested in daily practice together with researchers and care professionals.
Outside academia, she also has a broad outreach. Through best-selling books, columns, podcasts, festivals, and public lectures, she reaches hundreds of thousands of people and contributes to greater awareness of mental health and reduced stigma around psychiatric conditions.
Sommer sees the award of the Stevin Prize as recognition for her entire team and as an opportunity to further develop new research. ‘I work with a large number of highly talented young researchers whom I can now offer security for the coming years thanks to this prize. This wonderful award means we can further deepen our research into women’s mental health. There is still much to be done in this area, but also much to gain in terms of public health.’
Wiro Niessen, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen and member of the Board of Directors of UMCG: ‘What especially appeals to me in Iris’s work is that she always starts from the question of what really helps patients move forward. Whether it concerns psychosis, women’s health, or new AI applications: her research contributes to a better quality of life and more healthy years for everyone. This award is a wonderful recognition of all that she has meant to science, healthcare, and society.’
Jacquelien Scherpen, Rector Magnificus of the University of Groningen: ‘As Rector, I am proud of Iris Sommer and warmly congratulate her on winning the Stevin Prize. Her research aligns perfectly with the goals of the University’s institutional plan and contributes to a better society. I have also seen how she shares her research in an accessible and inspiring way with a wide audience. This prize is a well-deserved recognition of her work.’
The Stevin Prize is the highest award for researchers in the Netherlands who have made exceptional achievements in the societal application of knowledge. The Stevin Prize is awarded by NWO. Researchers must be nominated to be eligible for the prize.
Iris Sommer is Professor of Psychiatry at UMCG and the University of Groningen.
