Following the lecture, Foster will be awarded the 36th Holst Memorial Award. This annual prize presented by Philips Research and TU/e is meant for eminent scientists whose work has proven to be very important for society and industry.

In the early 90s, Holst discovered the retina contains a tiny element that’s essential for the neurological coordination of mammals’ day and night rhythm while they’re asleep. The scientist works at the Nuffield Laboratory of Opthalmology at Oxford University.

The prestigious Holst Award is a bronze medal. Previous winners include many prominent scientists, and four Nobel laureates. Dr. Donald Ingber of Harvard University, winner of the 2011 Holst Memorial Award, was in the news only this week for being the first person to make a functioning mini lung on a chip.

Foster’s Holst Lecture will be preceded by a symposium on the influence of light on people’s health and their behavior, featuring speakers from science and industry. The symposium starts at 10AM. For more information or registration, please go to the TU/e website.