Dr. Imelda de Groot Award 2026: applications now open

The Dr. Imelda de Groot Award is an incentive prize for care and innovation, initiated by Duchenne Parent Project Netherlands. With this award, we aim to stimulate innovative ideas that contribute to improving care and the daily lives of people with Duchenne.

Voor informatie in het Nederlands, klik hier.

The award is open to innovative ideas that improve the lives of people with Duchenne. International submissions are also welcome.

Topics for submission

Projects eligible for the award are practical, innovative, and directly applicable. This may involve starting a new project or supporting or further developing an existing initiative. Examples include:

• Practical solutions that improve care, such as easier blood sampling or better orthoses
• Digital or technological innovations, such as an app that encourages physical activity or supports medication use
• Initiatives focused on sports, leisure, and daily functioning
• Improvements in psychosocial support and social participation (such as school, work, or social activities)
• The development of sensors that help measure physical activity more effectively

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About the Dr. Imelda de Groot Award

The award consists of a prize of €10,000 and is intended to start a new project or to further develop or implement an existing initiative. The winner will be selected by an expert jury chaired by Dr. Imelda de Groot.

Procedure and timeline

For submission, unlike in previous years, no video is required. Candidates should submit their project with a brief description of the idea, its added value for people with Duchenne, and the innovative strength of the initiative. Only the winner will be asked to provide a short video.

• Deadline for submissions: 1 October 2026
• Award ceremony: 1 December 2026

Applications can be sent to: info@duchenne.nl

About Dr. Imelda de Groot

Dr. Imelda de Groot retired in April 2021 as a pediatric rehabilitation specialist at Radboud University Medical Center. During her career, she initiated various innovative and relevant research projects focused on Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, such as the project “No use is disuse,” which focused on movement and physical activity. The aim of this award is to inspire researchers and clinicians to continue their work in this field.