Nomination for the 2026 Ds. The Visscher Prize for University of Twente’s Simon Langener Research on care for people with intellectual disabilities

The Ds. The Visscher Prize is a prestigious scientific award, presented biennially to a researcher who has published a valuable dissertation in the field of intellectual disability care. From a record number of 31 submissions, three dissertations were selected that make an exceptional contribution to the care of people with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Simon Langener of the University of Twente is among the nominees. Langener investigated how VR technology can meet the needs of people with mild intellectual disabilities (MID).

The jury, chaired by Prof. Dr. Petri Embregts, evaluated all submissions based on scientific quality, originality, and practical applicability. The Ds. The Visscher Prize jury has announced the three nominees for the 2026 edition.

Langener specifically focused on the technological aspect of VR in addiction care. His dissertation centered on developing virtual environments that support therapy in addiction treatment. Within Tactus Addiction Care, where Langener works, extensive experiments with VR in treatment settings were conducted.

For people with MID, imagining abstract situations is often difficult, making traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sometimes challenging. VR can make a difference. Instead of talking about imagined temptations or difficult situations, clients can be placed directly inside them. By using visuals, sounds, and interactivity, the senses are activated. Clients can thus experience real reactions, such as cravings or stress, making practice far more realistic.

The nominees (in alphabetical order):
Dr. Milou van den Bemd – Suitability of chronic disease management in general practice for patients with intellectual disabilities
Dr. Simon Langener – Embedded and Embodied: Pioneering building blocks for Immersive Virtual Reality addiction treatments for persons with Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability and Addictive Disorder
Dr. Laura Maenhout – The promotion of physical activity in youth with intellectual disabilities: unleashing the power of social connectedness

"The large number of submissions this year highlights how lively and relevant scientific research in intellectual disability care is," said the jury. "The three nominated works stand out for their innovative character and the direct translation of complex theory into daily practice for clients and care professionals."