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Merel Bonewit, winner of the 2025 UvA Thesisprize

Merel Bonewit (EB) wins UvA Thesis Prize 2025

Photo: Lisa Maier

Merel Bonewit (EB) wins UvA Thesis Prize 2025

Published on 29-10-2025
The grand prize of the UvA Thesis Prize 2025 has been awarded to Merel Bonewit of the Faculty of Economics and Business (EB). Bonewit received the thesis prize for her research titled ‘Optimising Stroke Care Accessibility for At-Risk Populations’. The jury awarded her Master’s thesis the grand prize of €3,000.
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Best Master’s Thesis of 2025

Merel Bonewit, winner of the 2025 UvA Thesis Prize
Merel Bonewit, winner of the 2025 UvA Thesis Prize Photo: Lisa Maier

In June, Bonewit had already learned that her thesis had been selected by the jury as the best thesis of her faculty. She now wins the €3,000 grand prize for her work. The other faculty winners were Beau van Dijk (ACTA/Faculty of Dentistry), Selena Huisman (Facylty of Medicine), Aleksandra Guzik (Amsterdam Law School), Marlies Couch (Faculty of Humanities) and Nina Chen (Faculty of Science). Each of them receives a €1,000 prize for their thesis.

Improving access to stroke care

For her Master’s thesis, Bonewit conducted research in Vietnam to improve access to stroke centres. The study was carried out in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Analytics for a Better WorldExternal link. The findings from her research can also be applied more broadly and are ultimately intended for use by governments. With this aim in mind, Analytics for a Better World is currently further developing the tool.

About the UvA Thesis Prize

The UvA Thesis Prize is an additional distinction awarded alongside the university degree. Master’s students who received a mark of 9 or higher for their thesis were eligible to take part. Participants had to have graduated between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2025 and achieved a grade of 9 or higher for their Master’s thesis. You can take part in the UvA Thesis Prize again next year. Keep an eye on the website for updates!

More about the UvA Thesis Prize: uva.nl/thesisprizeExternal link