National Geographic Prize Photo

© Robert van der Meer

Local photographer Robert van der Meer from Assen has won the National Geographic Photo Competition 2020, in the category "wildlife". His hunting-ground is the protected central area of the Europe-wide LOFAR radio telescope, between Exloo and Buinen. Last September he spotted a "waterral", a shy bird that is rare in the Netherlands.

His success is entirely consistent with the ASTRON Mission Statement, "to make discoveries happen".

Robert's prize consists of a smartphone and a year's subscription to the National Geographic magazine. But what he values most of all is that his picture will be published in the December issue.