Many Niels Stensen fellows have been hit hard by the measures around the Covid-19 pandemic. They have had to deal with insecurity around their departure, travel restrictions, temporary closures of their campus or even closure of the entire university. We continue to try and help find solutions. This requires flexibility from both the fellow and the fellowship. The options to leave earlier or later have been expanded and, in some cases, it has even been proven possible to carry out part of the research activities from the Netherlands. The committee is aware that it is extremely complicated for young researchers to build an academic career in these circumstances. We can only hope this situation will be temporary and encourage all candidates and fellows to get in touch with us if they have questions.

Photo Fellow 2020 Maaike Derksen: “Awaiting the opening of the Indonesian and Australian border, I am forced to do my research from home.”