Excellence, innovation and impact
Each year, the UMC Research Council (UMCOR) highlights talented early-career researchers within the University Medical Centre — the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy together with UZ Brussel. Since 2023, this has taken place through several annual and biennial awards that recognize talent at every stage of the research trajectory: from curious master’s students to driven postdoctoral researchers.
UMCOR rewards work that stands out for its innovation, boldness and societal impact, while also strengthening a research ecosystem where collaboration and critical thinking are key. These awards are made possible thanks to the legacies of “Alfred Solvay & Usines Solvay” and “Marie-Louise Lottin”.
Thanks to the legacies “Alfred Solvay & Usines Solvay” and Marie-Louise Lottin
The “Alfred Solvay & Usines Solvay” legacy reflects the long tradition of social engagement within the Solvay family. Alfred Solvay was a Belgian industrialist who, together with his older brother Ernest, helped found the chemical company that bears their name. They shared a passion for science, education and progress.
Marie-Louise Lottin was a resistance fighter during World War II. As a member of the intelligence service and responsible for the military organization of the patriotic militias, she played an important role in the fight for freedom. After her passing in 2005, she bequeathed her estate to the VUB to support, among other things, research into cancer and cardiovascular diseases within the Faculty of GF.
Overview of the awards
- UMCOR Award “PostDoc of the Year”: Honors an outstanding postdoctoral researcher.
- UMCOR Award “PhD Thesis of the Year”: For the most promising doctoral researcher.
- UMCOR Award “Master Thesis of the Year”: For an outstanding master’s thesis within each graduation track at the Faculty of GF.
- UMCOR Award “Marie-Louise Lottin Fellowship”: Awarded biennially, alternating between research on cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The fellowship (co-)funds the salary of a PhD researcher or postdoctoral researcher for four years.
- UMCOR Award “Marie-Louise Lottin Prize”: Recognizes a high-impact publication from the past two years, alternating between the fields of cancer and cardiovascular research.
Overview of the laureates
PostDoc of the Year
2025: Jonathan Baldan & Diana Al Delbany 
2023: Timo De Groof 
PhD Thesis of the Year
2025: Kirsten De Ridder & Aziz Debain 
2024: Stijn Denissen & Marius Regin 
2023: Jaitip Tipanee & Robin Maximilian Awad 
Master Thesis of the Year
2025: Noa Wauters, Sarah Vanderwaeren, Fenja Watté, Lisa Schwab, Yoeri Swalens 
2024: Evan Calliauw, Tim Dreessen, Rebeca De Wolf, Jordy Saren, Geertrui Poelaert 
2023: Sarah Hubloue, Ruben Verhulst, Lauren van den Broecke, Beau Nieuwenhuijs, Ben Abbou Yahya 
Beurs Marie-Louise Lottin
2025 (kankeronderzoek): Sandra Tuyaerts 
2023 (onderzoek naar cardiovasculaire aandoeningen): Ellen Tisseghem