UT research project ‘Hand in hand against stress’ wins the Klokhuis Science Prize

Monday 9 March 2026

The study “Hand in hand against tension” is the winner of the tenth Klokhuis Science Prize. The winning project is being carried out by members of the Dutch Touch Society research group, who are affiliated with various universities in the Netherlands, including the University of Twente. The winner was announced on Sunday, 8 March by Klokhuis presenter Tirsa With during the International Science Film Festival in Nijmegen.

Everyone knows the feeling: you are nervous or sad, and someone takes your hand or hugs you. Such a touch can make you feel much better immediately. But what kind of touch actually helps best when you are not feeling well? That is exactly what the scientists behind the winning project are investigating. Does the touch have to come from someone you know? Does it also work if you hold a robot hug? And are some people more sensitive to touch than others? By investigating these kinds of questions, the scientists are trying to better understand how touch can help people feel more comfortable and secure.

The research was conducted by members of the Dutch Touch Society research group, a collaboration between researchers from various Dutch universities and research institutes.

Chosen by children

The Klokhuis Science Prize is awarded annually to research that is relevant to children aged 9 to 12. A selection of 10 studies was made from a total of 118 entries. Children chose the final winner by voting for their favourite study via the Het Klokhuis (NTR) website.

The award

The award aims to familiarise a young and broad audience with scientific research in the Netherlands. The prize was awarded for the tenth year during the InScience Film Festival in Nijmegen and was presented this year by Klokhuis presenter Tirsa With. An episode of Het Klokhuis will be made about the winning research. The episode will premiere at next year's InScience Film Festival on 2-7 March 2027.

The researchers behind the winning research are: Marie-Laure Snijders (University of Twente) and Prof. Dr. Jan van Erp (University of Twente), Dr. Anouk Keizer (Utrecht University), Dr. Judith Weda (Utrecht University of Applied Sciences), Dr. Gijs Huisman (Delft University of Technology), Dr. Birgit Hasenack (Utrecht University), Dr Dasha Kolesnyk (University of Amsterdam), Dr Merel Jung (Tilburg University), Dr Sima Ipakchian Askari, Dr Antal Haans (Eindhoven University of Technology), Dr Ivo Stuldreher (TNO), Tom Hueting MSc (TNO).