Mayor of Oegstgeest, Emile Jaensch, presented the royal honour to Catrien Bijleveld in the auditorium of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Bijleveld received this recognition for her exceptional contributions to criminology, legal science, and society. In 2001, she became the first professor in the Netherlands specializing in methods and techniques of criminological research. She played a key role in establishing the Dutch bachelor's and master's programs in criminology and developed educational modules that remain influential to this day. Bijleveld has significantly advanced the teaching and development of research methods—not only within criminology but also more broadly within legal studies—thereby enhancing the quality of legal academic research.
As a researcher at VU and the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Bijleveld dedicated herself tirelessly to investigating underexplored and pressing criminological issues. Her research topics included intergenerational crime, sex offenders, women in detention, juvenile delinquency, and victimization. Under her leadership, the NSCR became more widely recognized than ever as a world-leading institute. Throughout her work, she consistently strove to bridge science and society. One of her key initiatives was the Practitioners-in-Residence program, which brought professionals—such as journalists, policymakers, and politicians—into the NSCR as guests for a year, engaging with the institute’s work on a regular basis. This initiative continues to increase the visibility of and public understanding of scientific research.
Bijleveld’s influence extends far beyond her academic contributions. She has played an active role in numerous social and policy-related capacities. She served on prominent investigative committees, including the De Winter and Samson Committees, is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities, and since 2019 has been a member of the Scientific Council for Government Policy.
Throughout her career, Bijleveld has mentored and guided countless researchers. As one of the first female professors at the Faculty of Law, she served as a vital role model for women in academia. She remains a mentor and inspiration to many, including a significant number who are now themselves leading figures in the academic world.