Van Wijngaarden awards 2026: Unlocking Europe’s AI potential

On Friday 20 November, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) will host the fifth edition of the Van Wijngaarden Awards.

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When
20 nov 2026 from 4:45 p.m. to 20 nov 2026 10:30 p.m. CET (GMT+0100)
Where
TOBACCO Theater, Nes 75-87, 1012 KD Amsterdam
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During this unique evening, academic leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and scientists will come together to shape the future of AI in the Netherlands and Europe. The evening will also celebrate two scientists who will receive the prestigious Van Wijngaarden Awards for their significant, field-defining contributions to computer science, and mathematics.

Diner pensant on the Netherlands’ contribution to European AI

In 2026, the Van Wijngaarden Awards will take the form of a dinner pensant. The central question on the evening will be: how can the Netherlands contribute to the future of Europe in the field of AI?

The rapid rise of AI raises difficult questions and requires fundamental choices. It will change how science is conducted, how knowledge is produced, how students learn and how countries develop their technological capabilities. For the Netherlands, the question is what we must build now to ensure that Dutch AI expertise strengthens our universities and society, while contributing to Europe’s future in AI?

Prominent speakers from Europe, the Netherlands and the academic world

Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy and a leading voice on the future of Europe, will open the discussion from a European perspective. A representative of the Dutch government will then take the floor to outline the national challenges, followed by an expert panel exploring how AI is changing scientific research and education.

Prominent Speakers from across Europe and Academia

  • Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy and a leading voice on the future of Europe, will open the discussion from a European perspective.
  • A representative of the Dutch government will then take the floor to outline national strategic challenges.
  • An expert panel will follow, exploring the profound ways AI is reshaping scientific research and education.

Following these perspectives, small groups of leaders from science, government, business, start-ups, and journalism will dive deeper into the conversation over dinner. Together, we aim to lay the paving stones and form a shared guide for unlocking both the Netherlands’ and Europe’s AI potential.

Given the nature of the conversation and the group we are bringing together, CWI has sent personal invitations to this event.

Banner van Wijngaarden awards 2026

More information will be shared soon.