The winner will receive €1,000, a handcrafted trophy, and the opportunity to present their research during the 2026 Heritage Lecture. Want to compete for the 2026 Dr. Albert van der Zeijden Thesis Prize? Submit your thesis by 1 October 2026.
What kind of theses are we looking for?
Intangible heritage covers a wide range of topics—from dance, storytelling, crafts, and rituals to policy, participation, and sustainability. What matters most is that your thesis focuses on a form of intangible heritage and highlights the people who keep it alive: communities, groups, or individuals. We welcome diverse approaches, as long as your research clearly contributes to the knowledge, appreciation, or safeguarding of intangible heritage.
What are the conditions?
- The thesis was written between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2026
- You studied at a university or college in the Netherlands or Flanders. The thesis received at least an 8 (NL) or a 15 (VL)
- You add a summary of max. 2 A4 pages
- Consent has been obtained from the heritage community(ies) involved
- Language: Dutch, English, Papiamento or Frisian
- Your thesis was submitted digitally before October 1, 2026
- Clearly state your own contact details and those of your supervisor/teacher
What can you win?
€1,000 in prize money
A unique trophy, made by a craftsperson
A place in the UUHeritage Lecture programme of Utrecht University
Publication of your research on the KIEN website
What does the jury look for?
- Relevance for the practice and safeguarding of intangible heritage
- Relevance to science research methods (preferably participatory)
- Originality
- Readability
- Social impact / current relevance
About Dr. Albert van der Zeijden
Albert van der Zeijden (1957–2021) was a passionate historian with a deep passion for folk culture and intangible cultural heritage. He worked in this field for nearly 35 years, including as Head of our research team at KIEN and as a Research Fellow in Heritage Studies at Utrecht University. His work focused on superdiversity, sustainable tourism, and making heritage stories visible. This award is a tribute to his work and legacy.
Want to join in?
Please email your thesis before October 1, 2026, to: scriptieprijs@immaterieelerfgoed.nl. Please include your name, education, contact details, and those of your supervisor. Here, you will find all the information that is also included in this newsitem in one overview. Keep this one bookmarked in your browser if you consider sending in your thesis.
About intangible heritage
Would you like to learn more about what intangible heritage is? This page briefly explains what it is. Or take a look at our Inventory, where you'll find countless examples of heritage practices in the Netherlands. Or browse our Knowledge Base, where you'll find inspiring publications and stories by and about heritage bearers who are finding a future for their heritage. And want to know more about KIEN? Here you can meet our team, and here you can learn more about who we are and why we do what we do.