NL
DE
Breast radiologist Ritse Mann from Radboudumc wins the Hermesdorf Award 2025 for his tireless efforts to improve breast cancer care. The Hermesdorf Talent Award goes to three young doctors: Ferhat Beyaz, Mirjam Schaap, and Hilde Bronkhorst. They shared widely viewed videos with reliable information about vaping, skincare, and teeth-whitening products, effectively combating misinformation spread by influencers.
The Hermesdorf Awards are presented annually to researchers from Radboud University and/or Radboudumc who show courage, do not shy away from resistance, and speak out in the media and public debate. The Hermesdorf Award is given each year to senior researchers, while the Hermesdorf Talent Award honors scientists at the start of their careers. Both awards will be presented on January 5, 2026, during Radboud University’s New Year’s gathering.
Winner of the Hermesdorf Award 2025: Ritse Mann
Breast radiologist Ritse Mann from Radboudumc works tirelessly to improve breast cancer care. He focuses on better screening for women with dense breast tissue. Mann advocates informing these women and introducing MRI scans for the 8% of women affected, as tumors are harder to detect on mammograms—while their risk of breast cancer is more than twice as high.
Mann developed a new European guideline for MRI screening. Although the Health Council acknowledged its benefits, they raised concerns about feasibility, especially staffing. Mann responded by publishing research showing that a five-times shorter MRI protocol works just as well. Thanks to his persistence, RIVM and the Ministry of Health are now working on a plan to make MRI available for women with dense breasts.
Mann also advances AI in breast cancer screening. Building on a Swedish study, he demonstrated—using 42,000 mammograms—that AI can replace a radiologist in the Dutch program. This reduces workload, saves millions annually, and detects tumors earlier and more often. Finally, Mann explores less painful alternatives to mammography, such as photoacoustics and ultrasound. Together with Linda Appelman, he showed that ultrasound can replace mammography for evaluating certain breast complaints, like lumps. This research is now prompting a review of current guidelines.
Winners of the Hermesdorf Talent Award 2025: Ferhat Beyaz, Mirjam Schaap en Hilde Bronkhorst
In an era where influencers spread health, skincare, and lifestyle misinformation, young Radboudumc scientists stand firm for facts. Alongside their daily work as medical residents and a dentist, Ferhat Beyaz, Mirjam Schaap, and Hilde Bronkhorst courageously challenge manufacturers, influencers, and online trends. Their videos on vaping, skincare, and teeth whitening—viewed hundreds of thousands of times—reveal the truth.
Online trends are not always harmless. Vapes, originally intended to help quit smoking, have become an easy gateway to nicotine due to sweet flavors and social media. According to WHO, 17% of Dutch teens aged 13–15 vape. TikTok skincare routines with up to 12 steps cause skin problems and mental stress. Teeth-whitening trends, like charcoal or purple toothpaste, can cause permanent dental damage.
Beyaz, Schaap, and Bronkhorst show how science empowers young people against harmful influences and fosters a healthier, more informed generation. With courage and impact, they reach youth who rarely encounter scientific knowledge but deserve reliable health information.
About Hermesdorf
The Hermesdorf Award is named after Prof. Mr. B.H.D. Hermesdorf, rector magnificus of Radboud University from late 1942 to September 1945. On principle, he refused—alone among Dutch rectors—to present students with a loyalty declaration to the German occupiers, which led to the university’s closure in April 1943. He stood firm in difficult times.
-
Want to know more about these subjects? Click on the buttons below for more news.
More information
Annemarie Eek
wetenschapsvoorlichter
