Article
SURF Research Day
Winners Research Support Champion Award 2025
During SURF Research Day 2025, the Research Support Champion Awards were presented for the fifth time. Raoul Schram, Renate Mattiszik and Ernest Bošković received this award for their exceptional commitment to research support within their institutions.
Raoul receives the Research Support Champion Award for his broad expertise, initiative and ongoing commitment to researchers. As a research engineer at Utrecht University, he is involved in projects across various scientific disciplines and helps researchers improve their digital practices. He combines strong technical expertise with a helpful and approachable attitude and is always willing to share knowledge.
From ad-hoc scripts to reusable workflows
Many researchers work with improvised scripts and lack time or knowledge to set up proper workflows. Raoul recognised this problem and, after a fellowship at the Netherlands eScience Center, launched a university-wide initiative at Utrecht University to improve workflows. His initiative attracted a lot of interest. Ultimately, four research groups were supported by research engineers in setting up workflows. When needed, Raoul took on the role of a hands-on engineer himself. Thanks to Raoul's efforts, their research results are now more reproducible - an important step towards open science.
Technical skills
Raoul also makes a difference in the technical field. With the development of metasyn - a software tool for generating privacy-friendly synthetic datasets - Raoul is also making a direct contribution to open science. The tool is freely available, documented and peer-reviewed, and is now used by CBS.
This is what the jury says about Raoul
Raoul is a key figure in the development of research IT solutions with both national and international impact. With his unique combination of technical expertise and organisational talent, he not only delivers innovative software and secure data processing, but also builds strong teams and successful research support events. His work improves the quality and ethics of research and influences how data is collected, managed and shared both inside and outside the Netherlands.
This is what colleagues say about Renate
Since 2018, Renate has been the data steward at Saxion. On her own, she supports researchers across roughly thirty research groups. She listens carefully, recognises bottlenecks and thinks in terms of solutions - whether it concerns infrastructure, privacy or data management. For her broad commitment, expertise and connecting role, she has been awarded the Research Support Champion Award.
Pioneer in applied sciences
Renate is a frontrunner within the universities of applied sciences (hbo) sector. She co-authored the national job profile for data stewards and trains newcomers through initiatives such as DCC-PO and the RDNL course Essentials 4 Data Support. She also promotes the use of open standards, for example through her contributions to Publinova and her metadata advice for the hbo sector.
A hands-on professional with real impact
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Renate contributed as a data steward to ZonMw projects. She helped develop the data portal of Health-RI and participated in the Metadata 4 Machines workshops. Within Saxion, she co-developed the Research Information System and advises on data management tools. In short: she does a lot. What do colleagues appreciate most? Her knowledge, patience, and the fact that she’s always there when you need her.
This is what the jury says about Renate
As data librarian and data steward at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Renate built a solid foundation for research support, which is now an inspiration for the entire sector. The jury praises her vision and perseverance. Her work has brought structural improvements to research support and inspired others to actively contribute to open science and research innovation.
This is what colleagues say about Ernest
For 25 years, Ernest has supported research at UMC Utrecht with smart technical solutions. In his role as electronics engineer, he often works together with researchers to design devices and systems that are safe, reliable and precisely tailored to the research question. He is committed, knowledgeable and always willing to think along, even long after a system has been delivered.
Safe and flexible research system
Ernest developed a setup for research into antibacterial coatings. Because the system operates at high voltage, strict safety requirements applied. He ensured that the setup is both safe and practical to use. In addition to the design, Ernest wrote the user manual and provided training for the researchers using the system.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing
His colleagues appreciate his calm and thoughtful approach. He listens carefully to researchers' needs, actively involves them in the design process, and ensures clear communication throughout. He is also a sought-after contact for technical issues outside his own team. He shares his expertise through presentations and publications and contributes to a safe and efficient research environment across multiple projects.
This is what the jury says about Ernest
Ernest is the go-to expert for researchers and colleagues seeking support in research and research IT. His impact extends beyond his own institution. With his combination of technical expertise, strong communication skills, and broad engagement, he successfully translates complex challenges into practical solutions and lasting improvements.