Josine de Winter has been 'appreciated' for integrating science communication as an integral part of her academic career. De Winter was awarded the KNAW pilotfund 'Science communication by scientists: Appreciated!' of 10.000 euros for the research project on congenital diseases of the heart- and skeletal muscle.

The pilot fund is in line with the new way of recognising and appreciating scientists, which has recently been introduced within the Dutch knowledge field. Science communication is seen as an integral part of an academic career. The pilot fund is one of the initiatives of the Minister of Education, Culture and Science to encourage science communication. One million euros has been made available for this purpose. A total of 91 research projects were awarded. Read more on the KNAW pilotfonds (in Dutch).