Hester van Santen participated as a panelist at the International Journalism Festival, discussing the future of investigative journalism in the digital age. Her insights on maintaining journalistic integrity and adapting to new media landscapes were well-received by peers.

Hester van Santen spearheaded an investigative series uncovering several banking scandals in the Netherlands. Her meticulous research and reporting exposed unethical practices within major financial institutions, leading to regulatory scrutiny and reforms.

Hester van Santen published a book exploring the growing economic inequality in the Netherlands. The book delves into the systemic issues contributing to the wealth gap, offering insights and potential solutions to one of the country's pressing social challenges.

In recognition of her outstanding investigative journalism, Hester van Santen was awarded the prestigious De Tegel award in 2019. This accolade is one of the highest honors in Dutch journalism, celebrating excellence in reporting and impactful storytelling.

Hester van Santen led a significant investigative report on corporate tax evasion practices in the Netherlands. Her work shed light on the complex mechanisms used by multinationals to minimize tax liabilities, sparking public debate and policy discussions.

In 2015, Hester van Santen joined NRC, one of the Netherlands' most respected newspapers. At NRC, she continued to focus on economic and financial journalism, contributing to the newspaper's reputation for high-quality, investigative reporting.

Hester van Santen began her professional journalism career at Het Financieele Dagblad, a leading Dutch financial newspaper. Here, she honed her skills in economic reporting, focusing on financial markets and corporate news, which laid the foundation for her future investigative work.