KIVI and 4TU join forces to celebrate EngD graduates

The Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers (KIVI) and the 4TU Federation are proud to announce the launch of the national EngD KIVI Award, celebrating the achievements of EngD graduates of 2025. This new annual prize recognises the outstanding achievements of EngD graduates who combine scientific rigour with real-world impact and excel in applying advanced engineering knowledge to solve complex industrial and societal challenges.

"We are very excited to introduce the national EngD KIVI Award, which highlights and honours outstanding EngD graduates for their achievements in creating real value and impact through their work. This award gives them the recognition they deserve and helps them kick-start their engineering careers," said Eef Smits, Vice President of KIVI.

The award honours individual achievements and raises awareness of the EngD programme’s unique contribution to the Dutch innovation ecosystem. The EngD programme provides a distinctive link between research and industry, strengthening the country’s innovation capacity.

Selection criteria

An independent jury of representatives from academia, industry, and society will assess candidates’ achievements across three pillars to determine who stands out the most:

• Innovation – creative and practical solutions that push the boundaries of engineering.
• Impact – measurable contributions to industry, research, or society.
• Leadership & Collaboration – inspiring teamwork, professionalism, and knowledge transfer across disciplines.

Benefits of applying

Candidates embody what it means to be a professional doctorate engineer: bridging academia and industry, and delivering tangible value through engineering excellence.

By participating in this competition, you will:

• Have the opportunity to gain visibility within a relevant and diverse network.
• Get a free KIVI membership for one year when you participate as a contestant and come to the Award Ceremony.
• Receive additional publicity when you win the award (by getting an interview in De Ingenieur and through various communication channels), so you can advance your career as a professional doctorate engineer.
• Have a chance to win a prestigious piece of art and a cash prize. ​

Submissions

The submissions are open to all EngD graduates of 2025. The registration process closes on 7 November 2025. This prize will be presented at the award ceremony, taking place 2 December 2025 at the KIVI building in The Hague.

Register here!