Jan van Hest (1968) develops advanced materials that are partly natural and partly synthetic. In this way he made the first functioning imitation of a eukaryotic cell. He has recently been active in the emerging field of nanomedicine research. For example, he developed nanocapsules with enzymes in them, which you can introduce into living cells to correct harmful processes.

'In all his work, Van Hest combines innovative synthetic strategies with a clear vision of possible biomedical applications,' the KNAW said in a statement. Van Hest was a member of The Young Academy of the KNAW from 2005 to 2010. He will be installed as an Academy Member on Monday 16 September.

During his scientific career Van Hest received a Vici grant (2010) and a ERC Advanced Grant Award (2016) for his work. He was also part of the research team, together with TU/e professor Bert Meijer, that received a so-called Zwaartekrachtsubsidie in 2012 for the Research Center for Functional Molecular Systems.

The KNAW was established in 1808 as an advisory body to the government, a task that it still performs today. The independent society is 'the forum, the voice and the conscience of science in the Netherlands'. In addition to Van Hest, eighteen new members have been appointed. This brings the total number of members of the KNAW to almost 570. Eleven of them work at the TU/e. The appointment is for life and is seen as a great honor in the scientific world.