Sabine Hunnius nominated for Huibregtsen Prize 2023

Sabine Hunnius is one of the six nominees for the Huibregtsen Prize 2023 with her research project ‘Babies in the spotlight: knowledge for a promising start'. The prize was established in 2005 by The Evening of Science & Society and will go to a recent research project that combines scientific quality and innovation with special added value for outreach.

How is it possible that babies take the most amazing developmental steps in a short period of time take and what factors are responsible for differences in their later development? These are the questions at the heart of Sabine Hunnius' innovative research. In her research, Hunnius uses advanced research methods from cognitive neuroscience, such as measuring (eye) movements and brain activity or computational modelling. To make these new, innovative research methods more suitable for young children more suitable, she has worked broadly with external partners.

Jury report

The jury was impressed with her work because under her leadership, the Baby & Child Research Center, in which colleges, foundations and childcare organisations participate, has grown into an internationally renowned institute with some 50 researchers. It has become an important centre of expertise in the field of the child development during the first years of life.

Hunnius is particularly active in translating its research results to the society. A great example of this is her collaboration on a unique theatre performance for babies. Dancer and director Emilie Weisse used the findings of Hunnius' research on curiosity and learning to create Be Kind - circus theatre for toddlers. The jury was impressed by this theatrical experience for acclaimed theatre experience for babies aged six months to a year and a half and their caregivers.

Huibregtsen Prize

The Huibregtsen Prize was established in 2005 by the Evening of Science & Society Foundation. The prize goes to a recent research project that combines scientific quality and innovation with special social added value or outreach. The prize is awarded at the Evening of Science & Society on October 9 in the Pieterskerk in Leiden. More information can be found on www.avondwenm.nl.