Physics Pioneer Wins €50,000 Prize to Champion Workplace Neurodiversity
Eindhoven, Friday, 29 November 2024.
Liesbeth Janssen, a trailblazing physicist at Eindhoven University, plans to transform her Athena Award prize money into groundbreaking neurodiversity initiatives. Her innovative research on glass phase transitions unexpectedly bridges fundamental physics with cancer metastasis prediction, while her leadership style prioritizes mental well-being and flexible work arrangements in academia.
Championing Neurodiversity in Academia
Liesbeth Janssen, an associate professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, has been recognized with the prestigious Athena Award for her outstanding contributions to both physics and the promotion of neurodiversity in academic settings. This accolade, accompanied by a €50,000 prize, will be strategically used to advocate for increased neurodiversity awareness and integration within academic and research environments. Janssen’s commitment to inclusivity represents a significant step towards transforming the research culture to accommodate diverse cognitive perspectives, which she believes are essential for scientific innovation[1].
Innovations in Glass Phase Research
Janssen’s research focuses on the enigmatic glass phase, a state of matter that, while appearing solid, retains a disordered structure akin to a liquid. This unique focus has led to potential applications that extend beyond physics, offering insights into fast-working computer chips, recyclable plastics, and even biomedical fields such as asthma and cancer metastasis. Her work exemplifies how fundamental research in physics can inadvertently contribute to solving complex biological problems, challenging the conventional boundaries of scientific disciplines[1].
A New Era of Leadership
In her role as a leader, Janssen emphasizes the importance of mental well-being and flexible work structures. Her approach is characterized by a supportive environment that encourages team members to pursue their interests and set their own course. This leadership style not only fosters a healthy work-life balance but also cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity. Janssen’s emphasis on manageable workloads and mental health reflects a broader trend in academia towards more empathetic and sustainable work practices[1].
Broadening the Impact of Diversity
Janssen’s efforts align with global initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion within scientific communities. Similar to the initiatives by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in the UK, which focuses on promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through strategic investments in research culture, Janssen’s work at Eindhoven aims to highlight the critical role that diverse perspectives play in advancing scientific discovery. By advocating for neurodiversity, Janssen not only enriches her own research environment but also contributes to a broader shift towards more inclusive and equitable scientific practices[2].