Post by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

Ilse Aben wins one of the highest awards in Dutch science 🏆 Ilse Aben, endowed professor at VU Amsterdam and senior researcher at SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands, has been awarded the prestigious Stevin Prize by NWO (Dutch Research Council). This award recognises researchers with international reputations and exceptional contributions to knowledge exchange and societal impact. Professor Aben receives this honour for her pioneering work using satellite instruments to detect emissions of methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Her work has played a central role in the development and use of TROPOMI: an advanced satellite instrument for monitoring air quality and climate. Her team’s research has made it possible to accurately pinpoint major methane emitters, an invisible and odourless gas responsible for about one-third of global warming. They have identified and helped seal sources in oil fields, coal mines, and landfills, including in Central Asia and North Africa. These insights have directly supported the Global Methane Pledge, an international agreement signed by 158 countries aiming to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030. 🌍 Furthermore, Professor Aben has supervised dozens of PhD students, postdocs, and early-career researchers, many of whom are now leaders in their field. Congratulations, Professor Aben! Thank you for your remarkable contributions to science and society 👏 Read more here: edu.nl/jmvq3 #stevinprize #research #sustainability