On 14 April 2009 the KNAW announced the names of this year's Academy Professors: Bert Brunekreef, Professor of Environmental epidemiology, Utrecht University Rienk van Grondelle, Professor of Biophysics, VU University Amsterdam Paul Hooykaas, Professor of Genetics, Leiden University Daan Kromhout, Professor of Food epidemiology, Wageningen University
	The programme has two aims. Firstly, senior scientists between 54 and 59 years of age are released entirely from administrative and management tasks for a period of five years at the end of their careers. This enables them to devote all their time to doing innovative research and to training young researchers. Secondly, new research leaders are appointed to replace the Academy Professors in the same or similar fields of science or scholarship. The Academy's total contribution to an Academy Professorship amounts to EUR 1.000.000. Nominations for Academy Professors are assessed by an international assessment committee, which comprises members of foreign academies or scientists and scholars of comparable stature.
	Academy Professorships Programme Brochure (pdf) Nomination Form Professorships Programme (pdf)