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Charlotte Peters Wins Prestigious Nanne de Vries Dissertation Award 2026

During the annual CAPHRI Research Day held on 10 June, Dr Charlotte Peters (HISP) was honoured with the prestigious Nanne de Vries Dissertation Award 2026. Her PhD thesis, titled "Beyond the red lights: understanding the STI/HIV burden and sexual healthcare needs of home-based and migrant sex workers," emerged at the top of a competitive field this year. 

The significance of this recognition is underscored by the academic volume of CAPHRI: in 2025 alone, a remarkable total of 70 doctoral theses were published. To select a winner from this expansive output, each CAPHRI Research Line nominated their finest thesis for consideration. After a thorough review of these diverse submissions, the CAPHRI Science Commission narrowed the field down to a top-three shortlist, ultimately naming Dr Peters as the recipient of the award, which celebrates Prof Nanne de Vries' legacy of empowering young academics. 

A masterclass in the full research cycle

In evaluating the winning dissertation, the Science Commission praised how comprehensively the study addressed the entire academic journey, stating:

“This thesis showed the whole research cycle: from reaching out – with much effort – to very specific and often ‘hidden’ populations through diverse research methods to policy recommendations in the Lancet. And that all written with an excellent style.”

Dr Peters’ research examined the sexual health and healthcare needs of both male and female home-based and migrant sex workers in the Netherlands. Her findings revealed that while home-based sex workers were generally willing to undergo regular STI testing, they faced substantial practical barriers, including a fear of social stigma, high costs, and a lack of anonymity. 

Furthermore, the dissertation shed light on first-generation migrant sex workers, who face a heightened risk of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, while their access to care remains severely restricted by legal anxieties and structural barriers. Ultimately, the work highlights an urgent public health need for accessible, safe, and non-stigmatising sexual healthcare services, alongside targeted interventions to reduce these health disparities. 

On-stage presentations

The announcement marked a major highlight of the CAPHRI Research Day. Earlier in the afternoon, the top-three finalists each took to the stage to present their research, showcasing the breadth of topics within the institute. 

While Dr Peters ultimately took home the award, the updates shared by the other two finalists were equally commendable:

Following these presentations, the winner was officially announced during the plenary closing ceremony at the end of the day. 

Reflections from Dr Charlotte Peters

“I am incredibly honoured to have received the Nanne de Vries Dissertation Award. I hope this recognition helps amplify the impact of my research and strengthens the voices of the sex worker communities who trusted us with their time, experiences and words.” 

CAPHRI warmly congratulates Dr Charlotte Peters, the finalists, and all the nominees on their achievements. 

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