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‘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.

Migraine attacks strike suddenly and can seriously limit people’s lives. People with migraine can experience an aura with flashes of light or coloured spots that affect their vision. They can also develop a pounding headache accompanied by severe nausea and even vomiting. More knowledge about lifestyle factors and triggers will help predict and prevent attacks. The aim is personalised treatment.