News
Dr. Piet van Rijn awarded WBVR Van Bekkum Prize
During the symposium “Bluetongue and other exotic viruses” organized by Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR, part of Wageningen University & Research) on March 11, Dr. Piet van Rijn was awarded the Dr. J.G. van Bekkum Prize. This recognition is the culmination of a distinguished 35-year career dedicated to virology, vaccine development and the control of bluetongue and other exotic viruses.
Dr. Piet van Rijn joined Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in 1990, where he played a key role in molecular virology, diagnostics and biosafety. His research contributed significantly to the understanding and control of the bluetongue virus, a major threat to livestock. Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in identifying the clinical signs and differential diagnosis of the first outbreak of bluetongue virus in goats in the Netherlands. His work shaped scientific understanding and provided practical solutions to protect the agricultural sector from infectious diseases.
The Dr. J.G. van Bekkum Prize is an award established in honor of Prof. Dr. J.G. van Bekkum, former research director of the Centraal Diergeneeskundig Instituut (CDI), one of the predecessors of WBVR. Van Bekkum, who served from 1958 to 1982, made significant contributions to veterinary research, particularly in the field of foot-and-mouth disease. To commemorate his impact, this award was established in 1982 to recognize outstanding scientific contributions in veterinary research. The prize includes a medal designed by the artist P. Killaars.
Recognition
Van Rijn joins an esteemed group of past recipients of the Dr. J.G. van Bekkum Prize, including Dr. J.Th. van Oirschot (1987), who was recognized for his pioneering research on serum antibody differentiation in pigs infected with Aujeszky's disease virus. Dr. R.H. Meloen (1991) for his innovative PEPSCAN technology, a groundbreaking tool in immunological research. Other notable recipients include Drs. J.J.M. Meulenberg, R.J.M. Moormann, J.M.A. Pol, C. Terpstra and G. Wensvoort (1993), all of whom have made significant contributions to veterinary virology. Recent recipients include H.E. Smith (2017) and D.J. Mevius (2019), who have made significant advances in veterinary microbiology.
Dr. Piet van Rijn's recognition with the Van Bekkum Prize is a testament to his dedication and the lasting impact of his research in veterinary virology. As he retires, his legacy will continue to inspire veterinary researchers. In honor of Dr. Piet van Rijn, a Van Bekkum Prize medal was awarded, and Van Rijn's name will be added to the commemorative statue at the WBVR.