Two EUR students win an award for their master's theses

The winners are Kavin Varadharajulu (Erasmus School of Economics), winner in the Future Health and Healthcare category, and Jard Swinkels (Rotterdam School of Management), winner in the Institutional Adaptability category. Their research makes innovative contributions to current social issues in the field of healthcare and major transitions, such as the energy transition.

AI for early detection of diabetes

In his thesis, Kavin Varadharajulu developed an AI system that can assess whether someone has an increased risk of diabetes with just five questions. Traditional screening methods often use questionnaires with twenty or more questions. By simplifying the process, early detection can become more accessible and affordable, which can help prevent long-term complications. His research shows how artificial intelligence can contribute to better healthcare, provided that systems are carefully designed and used fairly.

Measuring collaboration for successful transitions

Jard Swinkels focused his thesis on the question of how large-scale societal transitions, such as the energy transition, can be successfully shaped. He developed a practical measurement system for the Port of Rotterdam that provides insight into so-called 'soft factors' such as trust, shared ambition and willingness to invest together.
By systematically measuring these relational aspects, governments and companies can work more effectively towards better collaboration. This is a crucial condition for the success of complex change processes.

REmagine Awards
The REmagine Awards are presented annually to outstanding master's theses in Economics and Business Administration that distinguish themselves through both academic quality and social relevance. The awards are an initiative of the Dean's Council for Economics and Business Administration (In Dutch: Decanenberaad Economie en Bedrijfskunde - DEB) and are made possible in part by the Goldschmeding Foundation.
Fifteen finalists were selected from 103 entries within five impact themes. During the DEB Impact Day, they presented their research, after which an expert jury chose the winners. Each winner received a specially designed crystal award and a cash prize of 5,000 euros.