“Mariia brilliantly combines direct support for individual researchers within the local institution with indirect support for national and international communities. She always does this with an emphasis on practical and usable solutions, based on real needs”
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Mariia Steeghs-Turchina (LUMC) receives SURF Research Support Award 2026
Mariia plays a pioneering role within the rapidly emerging field of research software. The jury sees her as a trailblazer who knows how to translate complex issues, such as version control and the translation of policy into practical applications, into workable solutions for research practice. It is precisely in a field that is still rapidly evolving that her work demonstrates what good research support can achieve.
International impact
What sets Mariia apart is the scope of her impact. She operates not only at a local level, where she keeps an eye on the needs of individual researchers. She also knows how to translate her work to the (inter)national community. In this way, she not only increases the visibility of research software as a discipline, but also makes an active contribution to its further development and professionalisation. Her efforts ensure that insights and solutions are applied and shared more widely. All of this means she has an impact across institutions and national borders.
SURF Research Support Award: new name, same core
The SURF Research Support Award has been revamped this year: the prize has a new name and a single standout has been chosen, rather than three. The core remains unchanged: to recognise the hero of research support. The SURF Research Support Award rewards impact, commitment and exemplary behaviour within the research support community.
Judging is a challenge every year
Anyone can be nominated for this award by colleagues, researchers and managers. A panel of experts has carefully assessed all entries. Based on impact, ability to connect people and distinctive character, the jury has selected one outstanding candidate.
“The choice is a challenge every year. The entries show that all nominees carry out valuable work and make an important contribution to the research field. The diversity and quality of the nominations underline the growing importance of research support”
The 2026 jury
Magchiel Bijsterbosch (jury chair), innovation manager for research at SURF
Anja Smit, director of DANS
Aranka van Wesemael, board member of the Dutch PhD Network
Raoul Schram, research software engineer at Utrecht University (Research Support Champion 2025)
Renate Mattiszik, data librarian/data steward at Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Research Support Champion 2025)