Recognitions

Maastricht University gives out awards to people from both within and outside of the organisation, who have directly or indirectly contributed to either the university or society-at-large. UM's awards include honorary doctorates, the Dr. J.G.H. Tans Medal, the UM medallion of honour, the Wynand Wijnen Education Prize, the UM Award and the UM Student Award.

The Dr. J.G.H. Tans Medal is the highest distinction at Maastricht University. It is given to people who have made a significant contribution towards the development of the university. Previous recipients of this medal include former Govenor Kremers and former Rector Magnificus Cohen.

The UM Medallion of Honour is presented to UM staff members who have made an exceptional contribution towards the brand awareness, reputation and development of the university. Recipients receive this medallion upon their departure. 

The first UM Medallion of Honour was awarded to drs. André Postema, former Vice Chairman of the Executive Board. He received the medallion during the Dies Natalis in 2014. Postema was recognised for the extraordinary way in which he contributed towards improving operational management, sustainability and valorisation at Maastricht University.

More information:

  Regulations on Awarding the Maastricht University Medallion of Honour

The Wynand Wijnen Education Prize is an annual prize awarded to members of the UM teaching staff who have made an exceptional contribution to education at Maastricht University. This prize is awarded during the Dies Natalis.

The Wynand Wijnen Education Prize is presented as a tribute to Wynand Wijnen, a professor of didactics who passed away in 2012. In addition to considerable national achievements in the field of education reform, he helped lay the foundations of Problem-based Learning at Maastricht University.

The UM Award is an annual award given to staff members who have served the university with special merit, be it on an academic, managerial or service level. The UM Award is presented at the New Year's reception.
 

During the Opening of the Academic Year on 1 September 2025, it has been announced that Eva De Groeve and Laura De Raeve, the founders of the project Busted!, are the winners of the UM Student Award 2025.

Busted! grew from a shared passion in female health and education. The aim of Eva and Laura is to empower women, girls and anyone with breast tissue to learn more about their own body, to increase awareness and education about breast cancer and to remove the fear and taboo surrounding the topic of breast health and cancer. This is done through innovative hands-on workshops at different university campuses and in collaboration with other initiatives around Maastricht and abroad, teaching how to perform monthly self-checkups leading to a better understanding of breast anatomy and early detection of breast cancer. Additionally, Busted! has participated in the Global Health Summit of Maastricht University, been invited as a speaker for the Lets Talk X: Diversity in Medicine seminar, and done a workshop in the AZC (Refugee Centre) in Maastricht. Also, workshops have been given in India and Belgium.