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Unilever Research Prizes

What are the Unilever Research Prizes?

The Unilever Research Prize is a prestigious annual award given to 13 talented Master students from Dutch Universities for their outstanding research. The aim is to support talent in science and acknowledge Unilever’s important relationship with the Dutch academic world.

An important selection criterion is that their chosen masters’ thesis topic makes a positive contribution to one or more of the ‘Global Goals’, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since 1956, we reward breakthroughs and achievements in science across the 13 public universities in the Netherlands. The Unilever Research Prizes event is an important way for us to maintain a close relationship with the Dutch academic world. Working together in times when our planet and people require significant breakthroughs in science and technology, will be crucial.

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Who can win?

The prize is awarded to a graduating Master’s student who has demonstrated exceptional performance during the current academic year. In addition to academic results, the quality of the thesis research during the (extra-curricular) final phase is of particular importance. Social and community activities outside of the academic context can also contribute to the quality of the submission.

sustainable development goals

Sustainable development goals

The universities select the best graduating candidate who has contributed to one or more of the Global Goals defined as most relevant to Unilever.

Global Goal 1 – No poverty
Global Goal 2 – Zero hunger
Global Goal 3 – Good health and wellbeing
Global Goal 5 – Gender equality
Global Goal 6 – Clean water and sanitation
Global Goal 7 – Affordable and clean energy
Global Goal 12 – Responsible consumption and production
Global Goal 13 – Climate action

More information about the Sustainable Development Goals (Opens in a pop-up window )

Unilever Research prize and cheque.

The winner is given

  • A cheque for 2500 euro to support these promising talents in their future development.
  • The Unilever Research Prize
  • The opportunity to present at Hive, Unilever Food Innovation Centre in Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Selection process

The university selects the candidate, and Unilever subsequently verifies the quality of the submission. We are proud that the level of submissions in recent years has been exceptionally high.

If you're a master's student in the Netherlands eager to highlight your research or accomplishments, we encourage you to learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria from your faculty or academic advisor.

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