Jacco Vink is associate professor at the University of Amsterdam. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the study of supernova remnants and the origin of cosmic rays. In 2024, for example, he showed that the “green monster” in Cassiopeia A must have been there before the star exploded.

Vink is closely involved in developing instruments that capture gamma rays, such as H.E.S.S. and the Cherenkov Telescope Array (for which he received a major grant from NWO in 2021). He also works with international X-ray space missions such as IXPE and XRISM.

“Jacco's expertise in high-energy astrophysics and his ability to connect science and technology make him a valuable collaboration partner,” said Emma de Ona Wilhelmi. She is group leader of H.E.S.S. at DESY and nominated Jacco Vink.

David Berge, head of the gamma-astronomy group at DESY (and a researcher at the University of Amsterdam between 2013 and 2017) expects that Vink's temporary arrival will not only strengthen DESY, but also inspire the next generation of researchers.

Humboldt-Forschungspreise

The Humboldt-Forschungspreise is awarded by the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and recognizes the achievements of internationally recognized researchers from abroad. Prize winners are reimbursed the costs for a six-month research stay in Germany. They can organize this flexibly. About one hundred researchers receive the prize each year. The awards will be presented on March 27, 2025 in Bamberg during the symposium.