Math4NL and the Innovation Committee of the Platform Wiskunde Nederland annually present the prize for the best thesis in applied mathematics for outstanding higher professional education (BSc) and university master's (MSc) theses. This award recognises graduation projects that use mathematics to provide innovative solutions to practical problems, for example in collaboration with companies, governments or other social organisations. In doing so, the award highlights the great importance of applied mathematics for our society.
The 2026 edition is made possible in part by:
- CWI – Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica
- 4TU+.AMI – the applied mathematics network of the technical universities including Wageningen and Groningen
- Phalanxes – bespoke solutions for business innovation
Call for papers
Graduates (university of applied sciences/BSc and university/MSc) in applied mathematics are warmly invited to submit their thesis.
Conditions of entry
Your thesis is eligible if all the conditions below are met:
- The thesis is written within the context of a Dutch university of applied sciences bachelor's degree programme (HBO) or a research university master's degree programme (WO) in the Netherlands.
- The dissertation was carried out in close collaboration with an external, non-educational organisation (such as a company, government organisation, hospital or research institute).
- The thesis has a clearly applied mathematical angle and contains original theoretical and/or empirical work.
- The thesis was completed (submitted and assessed) in the period from 1 August 2025 to 15 September 2026 inclusive, and has not previously been submitted for this prize.
Furthermore, participants must be available to present their work during the final event (date and location to follow).
Submission
The deadline for submission is 20 September 2026.
Send the following information:
- A PDF version of your thesis
- Name of the degree programme and institution (university/higher education)
- Name of the external partner organisation
Furthermore, state
- Whether you participate in the University of Applied Sciences (BSc) or Research University (MSc) category
- Whether there is any confidentiality (note: part of the work must be able to be presented publicly)
- That you are available to present your work during the final event
Entries can be sent to: scriptieprijs@math4nl.nl
Reviews and pricing
An expert jury evaluates all entries and selects three finalists per category.
The finalists will present their work during the final event, after which the jury will determine the winners.
By category:
- First prize: € 500
- Second and third prize: €100
Finale
The final and prize-giving ceremony will take place on 4 November 2026, at the CWI (Turing Room) in Amsterdam. This event offers finalists the opportunity to present their work to a wide audience from academia and practice.
Organisation
The prize is organised by Math4NL on behalf of the Platform Wiskunde Nederland.
For more information, email: scriptieprijs@math4nl.nl