COSMOS BOOK PRIZE RETURNS
For the fifth time, we are presenting the Cosmos Book Prize for the best popular science book of the year! On Friday, October 9, 2026, we will gather at Parnassos Cultuurcentrum in Utrecht for the festive award ceremony. Mark it in your calendar already!
NOMINATED BOOKS 2026
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EXPERT JURY 2026
Peter-Paul Verbeek
Peter-Paul is Rector Magnificus of the University of Amsterdam and Professor of Philosophy and Ethics of Science and Technology in a Changing World.
Yanell Braumuller
Yanell is a paleontologist at Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Leiden University. His PhD research focuses on the paleoecology of Miocene mammals. He is also one of this year's Faces of Science.
Clara Stegehuis
Clara is a mathematician at the University of Twente. She studies how complex networks behave using mathematical models and smart algorithms.
Auke Pieter Colijn
Auke Pieter is a physicist at the University of Amsterdam, where he focuses on fundamental questions in physics, such as dark matter and neutrinos.
STUDENT JURY
This year, we once again have an enthusiastic student jury for the Cosmos Book Prize! The jury consists of 50 secondary school students from across the Netherlands, aged 15 to 18. Together, we read and discuss the shortlisted books before selecting the winning title. On October 9th we will present the award during a festive evening in Utrecht.
Applications for the 2026 student jury have now closed.
Are you a student or teacher and would like to stay up to date with the latest news and developments about the Cosmos Book Prize? Sign up below!
BACKGROUND
The Cosmos Book Prize originated from the idea of scientist Gianfranco Bertone and is awarded to the best popular science book in the field of physics, mathematics, biology or astronomy of the year. Both a professional jury and a jury of scholars will indicate their preference. The winner(s) will take home a beautiful award, as well as a cash prize of 1500 euros each.
The ceremony now takes place in Italy, the Netherlands and France. The initiative is endorsed by the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development of UNESCO.
The Cosmos Book Prize is organized by:
Jan Pieter van der Schaar Maureen Voestermans Collin Klümann
Jim Jansen Eline Kraaijenvanger Alex Sieval
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
2025
On October 17, we presented the Cosmos Book Prize for the fourth time to the best popular science book about the natural sciences.
During this festive evening , De klopjacht op donkere materie by Dorine Schenk won the student prize, and Zoë Schlanger received the professional jury prize for her book Lichteters .
View an impression of the evening below:
Photos: Bob Bronshoff
2024
Photos: Bob Bronshoff
2023
Video: Charlotte Dijkgraaf
Photos: Bob Bronshoff
2022
Video: Robin de Ridder