The NWO Spinoza Prize is the highest award in Dutch science. Each year, the Netherlands organization for Scientific Research (in Dutch NWO) awards the Spinoza Prizes to three or four researchers working in the Netherlands, who according to international standards, belong to the absolute top of science. The NWO Spinoza Laureates conduct outstanding and ground-breaking research with a great impact on society. They are an inspiration for young researchers. The prize was first awarded in 1995.