Roelen–Penning Penning Award for Scientific Engagement

Following the success of previous editions, we are pleased to continue the tradition of the Roelen–Penning Penning.

We all know the feeling. You have a great question, but asking it means standing up, walking to the microphone, and becoming the center of attention for a brief but seemingly endless moment. Your heart rate increases, and suddenly your carefully crafted question sounds much more complicated in your head.

But here’s the thing: science thrives on questions. Conferences are not just about presenting results, they are about challenging ideas, sparking discussions, and satisfying curiosity.

To celebrate this noble act of bravery, Dr. Roelen and Dr. Penning created the Roelen–Penning Penning. This prestigious distinction is awarded to early career participants who dare to step into the spotlight and contribute to the discussion with thoughtful, insightful, or simply excellent questions.

So if you’ve been sitting on questions during previous conferences, consider this your encouragement. Ask it. The audience will survive. The speaker might even thank you. And who knows, you could leave the conference with both an answer and a prize.