Last November, the winners of the KCGH Thesis & PhD Prizes 2025 were announced at the annual autumn symposium. We would like to take another look back at three researchers whose work has made a special contribution to global health.
From 26 entries, the jury selected three theses and dissertations that stand out for scientific quality, innovation and social relevance. Their research shows how academic knowledge can contribute to health equity and better care worldwide.
Best PhD Thesis
Merel van der Stelt, PhD
3D Technology in Prosthetic Care: Enhancing Accessibility in Sierra Leone
In her PhD thesis, Merel Van der Stelt shows how 3D printing and AI-assisted design can increase the accessibility of prosthetic care in Sierra Leone.
Her research shows both the potential of digital manufacturing for local healthcare providers and the challenges around sustainability and material strength. The work illustrates how technological innovation can contribute to stronger, locally embedded healthcare systems.
Best Master's Thesis
Wallace Watson, MSc
Understanding the Characteristics of Tuberculosis Cases Missed by Chest X-Ray
Wallace Watson investigated why chest X-ray screening misses almost 1 in 10 tuberculosis cases. His analysis of data from 12 national surveys shows that young people and women are particularly at risk of a false-negative result.
His findings highlight the importance of more sensitive diagnostic strategies, such as computer-assisted detection. In doing so, his research contributes to fairer and more effective tuberculosis care.
Best Master's Thesis in Global Child Health
Thijs Wijnheijmer, MSc
The Impact of Transfer Learning in Paediatric Critical Illness Event Prediction
Thijs Wijnheijmer focused on early prediction of critical illness in hospitalised children in resource-constrained settings. Using ‘transfer learning’ - where data from high-income contexts is used to improve models - he shows how clinical decision support can become more accessible and equitable.
His research offers the prospect of better care for vulnerable children worldwide.
New edition opens on 1 May
On 1 May 2026 opens the new round of the KCGH Thesis & PhD Prizes. Bachelor students, master students and PhD students who have recently conducted research in the field of global health are cordially invited to submit their work.
With these awards, KCGH aims to encourage young talent and give visibility to research that contributes to health equity and sustainable healthcare systems. More information on participation and conditions will follow soon via our website and newsletter.
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