Emil Starkenstein Stichting

The Emil Starkenstein Foundation (ESS) is a Dutch foundation established in 1989 at the initiative of pharmacologist Professor Dr. Iván L. Bonta and registered with the Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1996, its exclusive purpose has been to promote lung cancer research by supporting promising young researchers through the Vera Bonta Prize. The award commemorates Vera Bonta, the wife of Professor Bonta, who died following lung cancer metastases. Worth €6,000 and accompanied by a medal, the prize is awarded every other year to a qualifying young researcher from the Netherlands or Belgium.

Candidates are recognized for outstanding work in basic, clinical, or psychosocial aspects of lung cancer. An independent jury of leading Dutch and Belgian scientists selects the winning research project. First awarded in 1997, the prize has been presented 15 times.

Since 2009, it has been awarded at the Annual National Lungcancer Symposium, which from 2026 takes place in January in Amsterdam. The next award is scheduled for January 2028; the Foundation provides information about eligibility and the event