We are proud to share that Marileen Dogterom, Chair of the BaSyC Steering Committee, has been awarded the Professor of Excellence Award 2025 (Leermeesterprijs) by the TU Delft. This prestigious award honors her exceptional contributions to science, education, and mentorship.
The award was presented on Monday 1 September, during a ceremony organized especially in her honor, highlighting Marileen’s profound impact on both the scientific community and the many individuals she has mentored throughout her career.
Photo: Guus Schoonewille
Marileen Dogterom is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in bottom-up synthetic biology. Through her leadership in BaSyC (Building a Synthetic Cell), she has helped shape one of the most ambitious interdisciplinary research efforts in life sciences today. Her scientific achievements, including the Spinoza Prize, reflect a career dedicated to exploring the fundamental principles of life and advancing synthetic-cell research.
The TU Delft Professor of Excellence Award is awarded to individuals who have built a lasting legacy not only through research, but through their role as educators and mentors. Marileen is widely admired for her inclusive and empowering leadership style – creating space for others to grow, take risks, and learn.
As one colleague shared:
“I often look up to her and think, what would she do in the same situation?”
Her mentorship has shaped the careers of many young scientists, and her influence continues to resonate across generations.
Alongside the honorary title and medal, Marileen receives a €15,000 sabbatical grant and two KLM business-class flight tickets, supporting her continued academic journey and international collaboration.
At BaSyC, we are thrilled to see Marileen’s contributions recognized with this award. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire our consortium and the broader scientific community.
More information about the TU Delft Professor of Excellence Award: https://www.tudelft.nl/teachingacademy/grants/professor-of-excellence-award