The UvA has started a new tradition: the annual Medallion Day. On this day Honorary Medallions are awarded to individuals who have made a special contribution to the university.

We are happy to congratulate Willem Bouten, professor of Computational Geo-Ecology at the Faculty of Science, member of the Management Team and Scientific Lead of the theme Coupled Human and Natural Systems at IAS, with receiving this honorary recognition for his work.  

About Willem's work 

Willem Bouten is a pioneer. With the bird-tracking system UvA-BiTS, which he initiated, developed and drove, he has established an unparalleled ornithological research infrastructure which has changed and enriched the research landscape with regard to bird science and ecology, putting the UvA on the international map. He also pioneered interdisciplinarity: in his own research, but also with his efforts in transforming the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics and in developing the Future Planet Studies Bachelor's programme. In so doing, he played a major role in promoting interdisciplinarity at the UvA, an approach that is essential for solving complex social issues.