The Dutch National Science Foundation (NWO) has awarded the 2011 Spinoza Prize, also known as "The Dutch Nobel Prize," to Patti Valkenburg, Professor at Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), U of Amsterdam, and director of the school's Center for Research on Children, Adolescents, and the Media (CCAM). The award was announced on 6 June.

NWO awards the Spinoza Prize to Dutch researchers who belong to the absolute highest echelons of science. The scientists receive the prestigious prize for their outstanding, groundbreaking, and inspiring research. Though Dutch by nationality, the laureates are internationally renowned scientists with a demonstrated ability to inspire young researchers.

The Spinoza Prize comes with a monetary award of 2.5 million Euros (approx $3.5 million USD), to be spent on research of the recipient's choice. Valkenburg's award marks the first time that a social scientist of any stripe, let alone communication, has received the Spinoza Prize.

This is Valkenburg's second prestigious academic award in 2 years. In 2010 she received a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Investigator Grant, which is also worth 3.5 million Euros.