8 May 2025 Geert Kops elected member of the KNAW Back to news This year, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) has elected seventeen distinguished researchers as new members. One of them is Geert Kops, Director of the Hubrecht Institute. The Academy praises Geert Kops for his fundamental contributions to our understanding of cell division. “How does a cell pass on its chromosomes to new cells? What goes wrong during cell division that can lead to cancer and congenital abnormalities? Improving our understanding of this fundamental aspect of life on our planet is central to the work of molecular cell biologist Geert Kops.” According to the KNAW, his research has played a crucial role in unraveling how chromosomal abnormalities arise in cancer, thereby helping to develop new therapeutic strategies. Kops is also recognized for his dedication to science communication. “He actively seeks to convey the value of a sense of wonder, curiosity, and science to schoolchildren.” In the Netherlands, election to the KNAW is considered one of the highest honors for a scientific career. Members are chosen based on their exceptional scientific achievements and are appointed for life. Through their participation in advisory committees and councils, members play an important role in the Academy’s advisory work. The Academy currently comprises around six-hundred members across a broad range of scientific disciplines. The official installation of the new members will take place on 29 September 2025. Official announcement KNAW: https://www.knaw.nl/nieuws/akademie-kiest-nieuwe-leden Geert Kops is director of the Hubrecht Institute, group leader, professor of Molecular Tumor Cell Biology at the University Medical Center Utrecht and Investigator at Oncode Institute.
