Two Dutch scientists have been awarded the prestigious Spinoza Prize, the Netherlands’ highest scientific award, for groundbreaking research. Neurowetenschapper Karin Roelofs of Radboud University will receive €1.5 million to further investigate the “freeze response” to stress, revealing its importance in enabling calm, decisive action under pressure – characterized by a low heart rate despite bodily alertness. Her research has already led to a VR training game for police officers to practice utilizing this response. Simultaneously, chemical biologist Hermen Overkleeft of Leiden University will also receive €1.5 million for his work on manipulating human proteins, leading to advancements in treatments for cancer and rare diseases. Overkleeft intends to use the funding to translate his research into practical clinical applications. The Spinoza Prize, awarded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), recognizes researchers at the forefront of their fields. Both scientists are part of a group of four receiving the top awards this year.