We proudly announce that Emeritus Professor Aart Jan (AJ) van der Lely, our esteemed Chair of the Bioscientifica Board, has been knighted as a 'Knight of the Order of the Dutch Lion'.

This prestigious honour was conferred on 14 March 2025 by Deputy Mayor Jules Bijl of Lansingerland during the Pituitary Symposium at the Erasmus MC Pituitary Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Professor van der Lely received this honour for his unwavering commitment to patients with pituitary disorders and his remarkable contributions to endocrinology.

This achievement has been celebrated by many within the community; Deputy Mayor Jules Bijl remarked, “His creativity and bringing the right people together at the right time have led to important scientific breakthroughs. This is evidenced by his many publications in top scientific journals and his prestigious international awards.'

Bijl further highlighted AJ's pioneering work, noting, “He was the first doctor to apply the drug pegvisomant in patients with acromegaly. He has thus been of great significance in improving the daily lives of thousands of patients around the world.”

ESE President Jérôme Bertherat expressed, “We are proud to see AJ, a much-respected researcher and friend to many in the field of endocrinology, being recognised for his huge contribution to our discipline and congratulate him on receiving this prestigious Royal Decoration."

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor van der Lely on this well-deserved recognition.