In 1769, Steven Hoogendijk co-founded the Batavian Society for Experimental Philosophy, with a main aim of introducing the steam engine in the Netherlands,[1][2] with the motto: "Certos Feret experientia fructus" (experience will give reliable products).

[3] With the support of the Society at their own expense they brought a Newcomen steam engine from England to an old Powder Tower at the edge of Rotterdam.

The triennial International Steven Hoogendijk Prize for medical engineering[4] was first awarded in 2001, shared by three individuals, Professors Nicolas Bom and Jan Somer, both from the Netherlands, and Prof. David Sahn of Portland, Oregon.

In 2010, the award went to George M. Church, of Harvard Medical School, for "minimal invasive diagnosis" (genome sequencing technology).

Tilanus (CEO of the Batavian Society) and Frank Grosveld of Erasmus Medical Center and interview by comedian Raoul Heertje.