“Orden pour le Mérite” awarded to Hans Clevers

It is a great honor that Hans Clevers has been awarded the Orden pour le Mérite, für Wissenschaften und Künste (or the Award for Achievements, for the Sciences and Arts).

Prof. dr. Hans Clevers is group leader at the Hubrecht Institute (KNAW), Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University and Scientific Director of the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology. We are very proud that Hans Clevers has been given this award for his overall achievements in stem cell biology.

With receiving this award, he has become a member of a select society of 80 men and women, from the Natural Sciences, Humanities and Arts. Around half the members of this German society are German scientists and artists, and the other half are interntional. The chair of the society is the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

 The Orden pour le Mérite is an extraordinary society, that was founded in 1740 by Friedrich dem Großen, with members that are honored for both military and civil achievements. Over time, achievements in the sciences and arts were added, and later the military achievements were removed. During certain periods it only German citizens were allowed to be given the award, and during the national socialism (Nazi) regime the society almost disappeared; only three members were still alive in 1952. Fortunately, the society was renewed and brought back to life during the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Orden pour le Mérite could once again be awarded. Thus, this society has a long history and tradition and has survived some difficult periods. You can read more about the Orden pour le Mérite on their website.