‘What is the best electoral system for a democracy? First prize in the Leiden University Thesis Prizes 2021 goes to someone who has added their own deftly argued vision to this socially relevant topic.’ These were the words of Annetje Ottow, president of the Executive Board and board member of the Leiden University Fund, at the online University Thesis Prizes ceremony on 3 March. The lucky winner, Suzanne Bloks, studied philosophy.

Femicide is a serious issue in the Netherlands: around 40 women are murdered each year. Yet the circumstances surrounding these deaths are not recorded. To change that, Marieke Liem, Professor of Security and Interventions, launched the Femicide Monitor. ‘To develop effective interventions, we need to understand what’s really happening.’

What reduces the likelihood of children being taken into care? At present, child protection services don’t have the data to answer that question. In her inaugural lecture, Anouk Goemans calls for data-driven systems, alongside attention to the stories behind the numbers.

The world is changing rapidly. Climate change, digitalisation, social inequality, health, and geopolitical tensions call for new solutions and insights. Leiden University plays a leading role in addressing these challenges. To continue fulfilling this role, support from committed trusts and foundations is essential.

A woman is murdered every eight days in the Netherlands. Marieke Liem, professor of Security and Interventions at Leiden University, is working on the Femicide Monitor, a public database on femicide in the Netherlands. Femicide is when women are killed because of their gender. More knowledge is vital to protecting women in the future.

Growing numbers of young people with complex mental health problems are trapped in a vicious circle of despair. This seriously affects their future because they drop out of school, self-harm or, in the most extreme cases, die by suicide. Dr Laura Nooteboom and her team are researching how young experts by experience can help support their peers.