On June 6 2025 Marion Koopmans was appointed Commander in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. She also received the Erasmus-MC medal from Board of directors member Joke Boonstra.
Marion is stepping down as department head of Viroscience after more than ten years. During the symposium 'Transitions in Viroscience' in the Van Nelle Fabriek, she was honoured for her exceptional contributions to infectious disease control and virology. Mayor Joyce Langenacker of Zeist came to Rotterdam especially to honour Marion on behalf of the King.
(foto: From left to right: Marion, mayor Langenacker and Ad, Marion's partner)
'Marion Koopmans is hereby honoured for her immense achievements in the field of infectious disease control, virology and public health, but also for her exceptional willpower, courage, intelligence and unifying ability', mayor Langenacker later announced on LinkedIn. ‘As a country, we are lucky to have people like her, who have always been committed to science, combating infectious diseases and encouraging (female) researchers. She continued to engage in dialogue with everyone, especially during the corona period, in the face of fierce opposition, in order to set facts against fiction. I hope that we can continue to make use of her knowledge and expertise in the Netherlands and in the world for a long time to come.
A nomination as Commander in the Order of Oranje-Nassau – the third degree – is not common. The person awarded must have performed very special or important activities. Or the merits have an international and even worldwide appeal and significance. The award is also regularly presented during state visits.
The Erasmus MC medal is an exclusive award for employees and external parties who have made great contributions to Erasmus MC and thus to society, in a manner that suits Desiderius Erasmus: unconventional and in connection with fellow human beings. Before the presentation, Joke Boonstra addressed Marion.
‘Your career has followed a remarkable path. From veterinary medicine in Utrecht and an early interest in enteric viruses, your journey led you to the heart of virology. International recognition followed – not because you sought it, but because of the relevance and reliability of your work. Those who know you, know: you were never about the foreground. Always about the intention – and what that intention could contribute to the world around you’, says Joke.
‘On behalf of the Board of Directors – thank you. For your vision, your perseverance, and your willingness to tackle complexity. You have not only contributed – you have helped shape how we move forward. We wish you all the best, Marion. Whatever the future brings, we hope that you will continue to do what you have always done: observe sharply, think critically, and stay connected to the people who are touched by your work.’
