Nominations are now open for the Dutch Data Prize 2026
Researchers and research teams who make their research data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) can now be nominated for the Dutch Data Prize 2026. The prize recognises excellent research data management and celebrates researchers who make their data, or research output that combines data and code/software, available for verification, reuse and new scientific discoveries.
Researchers can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Nominations are open until 30 September 2026.
Recognising excellence in FAIR research data
The Dutch Data Prize is awarded every two years by RDNL to highlight the importance of FAIR research data and the researchers who contribute to open science through good data practices.
The prize will be awarded in three categories:
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Natural Sciences and Engineering
- Life Sciences and Health
Each winning researcher or research team will receive €3,500 to further improve the FAIRness of their research data. The prize money may, for example, be used to organise a workshop or symposium, enhance documentation or metadata, or improve online access to the dataset.
New in 2026: recognising accompanying code and software
This year, the Dutch Data Prize criteria have been updated to include accompanying code and software that support the reuse of research data. Researchers can include these materials as part of their nomination, and the jury will consider how they contribute to making the research data understandable, reusable and transparent.
By recognising these additional research outputs, the Dutch Data Prize reflects the broader practices that contribute to FAIR research and open science.
View the criteria and the jury members here.
Award ceremony
The winners will be announced on 3 December 2026 during the award ceremony at the Trippenhuis of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in Amsterdam.
During the ceremony, finalists will present their research and share how they applied FAIR data practices. These presentations offer insight into different approaches to research data management across disciplines.
Put outstanding research data in the spotlight
Do you know a researcher or research team whose approach to research data deserves recognition? Or would you like to nominate your own work?
Submit your nomination before 30 September 2026.