205 researchers receive Veni grants

Predicting heart disease using smarter DNA risk scores
Dr Sean Joseph Jurgens, Amsterdam UMC
Heart disease remains a leading cause of illness and death. Genetic information can help identify people at higher risk of heart disease. However, current tools capture only part of a person’s true genetic risk and work poorly for people with non-European backgrounds. In this project, researchers will use smart statistical approaches to build genetic prediction tools that are more accurate and more fair. The project aims to support better prevention and more responsible future use of genetics in healthcare.

Healing outside the lines: sex and gender differences in alternative medicine use for PSS
Dr A.V. Ballering, University Medical Centre Groningen 
Many people experience persistent somatic symptoms, which may lack a clear medical explanation. They may turn to alternative medicine, such as homeopathy or herbal medicine. This seems to be more common among women than men, but underlying reasons remain poorly understood. The researcher studies sex and gender differences in alternative medicine use and stopping evidence-based care. To this end, large Dutch datasets and patient interviews are analysed, to more precisely identify who uses alternative medicine, when, and why. This project aims to contribute to identifying how stopping with evidence-based care by people with persistent somatic symptoms can be prevented.

CAARS on the road to curing APS
Dr  T.E. van Mens, Leiden University Medical Centre, Thrombosis and Hemostasis
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease that causes blood clots, with devastating consequences. There is no cure. In this project the researchers lay the foundations for a new treatment, in which they transform patients’ own blood cells to eliminate their disease-causing immune cells. They do this by mimicking the protein that the auto-immune cells respond to, on the therapeutic cells, as bait. This so-called CAAR approach, of which preliminary results suggest a possible breakthrough in similar diseases, represents a revolution for APS patients.

Smart studies
Dr A.J. de Jong, University Medical Center Utrecht
Clinical research is essential to ensure patients have access to high-quality healthcare. Many clinical drug trials encounter difficulties in recruiting a sufficient number of participants and are therefore terminated before the study is completed. Early termination of clinical trials results in insufficient evidence to inform decision making. This research will clarify which trial procedures – such as methods related to participant outreach, the format of the informed consent form, and flexible follow-up appointments – are key drivers of participation.

Black Box to Blueprint: Making Sense of CAR T-cell Behavior
Dr R. Admiraal, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology
CAR-T cells are a promising new treatment for pediatric leukemia, where patients' immune cells are trained to attack the cancer cells. The goal is to keep the CAR-T cells present in the body to continuously be protected from cancer cells. In some cases, the CAR-T cells disappear shortly after infusion, which may give the leukemia chance to relapse. We do not yet know why the therapy works in one child, but not in the other. In the current research project, we want to learn more on how CAR-T cells behave in the body, and how to prevent them from disappearing. This way, we hope to contribute to further improvement of CAR-T cell treatment.

Getting the Alzheimer’s brain talking again
Dr M. Schepers, Maastricht University
In Alzheimer’s disease, not only are nerve cells affected, but also myelin, the insulating layer that enables efficient communication in the brain. This layer can be repaired, but this natural repair process is impaired in Alzheimer’s disease. This project focuses on stimulating myelin repair in human brain cells by targeting specific signals that tell these cells when and how to mature. By studying these processes in human cells and tissue, the research aims to identify new strategies to support brain connectivity and slow functional decline.

Alzheimer’s disease: how can we delay the onset and progression of the disease?
Dr E.M. Coomans, Amsterdam UMC
Why do some individuals develop Alzheimer’s disease pathology already at a young age, while others don’t develop Alzheimer’s disease pathology until very extreme ages, or never at all? This project investigates different factors that may influence the age at which Alzheimer’s disease pathology manifests. The findings will help advance strategies aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Persistent symptoms after a blow to the head
Dr D.C. Holl, Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC
After a blow to the head, for example during sports or a fall, some people develop persistent symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and concentration problems. This can also occur after mild trauma. This study follows patients who consult their general practitioner with a head injury or related persistent symptoms. Using questionnaires on symptoms, daily functioning, and healthcare use, the study examines recovery and identifies who develops persistent symptoms. The results help general practitioners predict who needs extra support and who can be reassured.

Precise and personalized: from rare genetic diagnosis to personalized therapy
Dr A. van Esbroeck, Erasmus MC
Sometimes a change in a gene can have severe consequences, such as untreatable epilepsy. In some cases, personalized RNA therapy can very precisely inactivate the harmful gene copy. At the moment, the development of RNA therapy is expensive and takes a lot of time. By focusing the therapy on common changes (SNPs) in the harmful gene and by using existing stem cell models, researchers can probably make RNA therapy available faster and to more people. This way, genetic research can lead not only to a diagnosis, but also to personalized treatment.

GlioGuide: Smarter Choices in Brain Tumor Surgery
Dr J.K.W. Gerritsen, Erasmus MC
People with an aggressive brain tumor such as glioblastoma often need surgery. This operation can prolong life, but it also carries risks of permanent neurological problems. At present, it is very difficult to know which patients will benefit from an extensive operation and who may instead be harmed by it. This project develops GlioGuide: a system that shows, for each patient, the expected benefits and risks of different surgical options, using data from thousands of patients worldwide. This allows doctors and patients to choose the best treatment together.

Why cancer causes muscle loss
Dr W.R.P.H. van de Worp, Maastricht University – Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
Many people with lung cancer lose muscle unintentionally, which impacts daily activities and can make cancer treatments less effective. This project studies how tumors release proteins into the bloodstream that reach skeletal muscle and trigger muscle breakdown. Using innovative laboratory models and tracking techniques, researchers will pinpoint which tumor-derived proteins are directly responsible for this process. These insights will help lay the foundation for future treatments aimed at preserving muscle strength and improving quality of life for cancer patients.
 

Early signs, early strength? Socioemotional development in infants at risk for severe mental illness
Dr L.A.E.M. van Houtum, Erasmus MC, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology
Mental illness runs in the family. Especially children of parents with <i>severe</i> mental illness have a high risk to develop a psychiatric illness themselves. Divergent development in these children may already start (very) early in life. Are there already early signs of socioemotional differences when they are babies? Can a strong bond with both parents ameliorate these early differences? This project seeks to answer these questions, contributing to lifelong mental health.

Switching on fat burning to treat obesity
Dr R. L. McIntyre, Erasmus MC
Obesity is a worldwide health problem, greatly increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Current treatments do not work well for everyone or cause side effects, and they mainly focus on reducing appetite. This project will study a group of biological switches that control how much energy fat tissue uses. By understanding how these switches work in human fat cells, an important step is taken toward new treatments that could help the body get rid of excess fat more effectively.

Towards the next generation of AI: automated quality control in endoscopy
Dr J.  de Groof, Amsterdam UMC
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems in gastrointestinal endoscopy show promise for improving early disease detection by acting as a real-time “second pair of eyes” supporting doctors. However, AI effectiveness depends on procedural quality. This Veni project aims to overcome these limitations by developing real-time computer-aided quality (CAQ) systems to improve endoscopy quality. The goal is to standardize care, boost AI reliability, and improve patient outcomes. Three CAQ systems will be developed: (1) quality monitoring with actionable feedback during colonoscopy, (2) automated polyp image quality assessment, and (3) clinical validation of a CAQ system for Barrett’s surveillance.

Looking deeper: Finding hidden DNA mutations with a new analysis method
Dr W. Höps, Radboudumc, Genome Diagnostics Department
Rare diseases affect over 300 million people worldwide, but the genetic cause is unknown for most patients, prohibiting effective treatment. This study uses an advanced DNA analysis method, de novo assembly, to uncover hidden mutations that standard tests miss. By studying thousands of rare-disease patients with this method, this work will improve our understanding of complex genetic changes and help provide better diagnoses in the future.

Brain aneurysms: time to assemble the puzzle
Dr M. Bakker, University Medical Center Utrecht
A brain aneurysm is a life-threatening condition of an artery in the head. Aneurysm rupture may cause a fatal stroke. Heritable factors are essential in the development of a brain aneurysm. Many genes have been found that contribute, each one piece of the puzzle. But development of a brain aneurysm was found to be complicated with not one, but many puzzles involved. There is currently no way to link each piece to the right puzzle. In this study, such a method will be developed and used. Ony then can we use all the knowledge to predict or treat brain aneurysms.

Why type 1 diabetes patients and their disease differ 
Dr R. van Tienhoven, Leiden University Medical Center
Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin because their insulin-producing (beta-)cells are destroyed by immune cells. Insulin is not a cure, while immune intervention trials have partial and non-durable effects. This is likely due to differences in patients and disease, and the disease-driving role of stressed beta-cells. This project addresses why stressed beta-cells trigger immune attack and why patients differ in response to therapy, with focus on insulin gene variation as cause. New knowledge should guide future treatments to the right patient, improving therapeutic outcomes.

Mind in the making: brain biomarkers for intellectual disability
Dr N.H.P. Claessens, University Medical Center Utrecht, department of Pediatrics
Intellectual disability is one of the most common conditions in pediatrics, but parents often receive little information about what caused it and how their child may develop. This project will re-analyze MRI brain scans, metabolic tests and genetic results that are already part of standard care, using new techniques to investigate early brain development. By linking these findings to the abilities of children as they grow up, a prediction of their future development can be made. This may help identify children earlier, give parents clearer expectations and offer access to tailored support. 

Under the surface: spotting hidden cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis
Dr T.A. Fuchs, Amsterdam UMC
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience slow cognitive decline, even when scans look stable and no relapses occur. This hidden decline can affect work, independence, and daily life, but it is rarely detected early. In this project, researchers will follow people with MS at home using short monthly digital thinking tests, combined with brain scans and blood tests. By linking these results to large international patient datasets, the project aims to recognize cognitive decline earlier and better predict who is at risk.

Vaccine response in the spleen
Dr D. Hoving, Leiden University Medical Center, LUCID-department
Vaccines are the most effective method to prevent infectious diseases, but how long they provide protection varies and often decreases over time. Memory cells are important for long-lasting protection, yet it is still unclear why some vaccine responses last longer than others. The spleen may play a role, as this organ can generate and store memory immune cells. In this project, the researcher will study how the human spleen contributes to lasting vaccine protection and what features of the memory cells and their environment make this possible.

The right cut, at the right time
Dr T. van Duijl, Amsterdam UMC
In half of the patients with excessive bleeding, the biological cause remains unknown. Women are particularly affected, facing risks such as chronic anaemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding and severe postpartum haemorrhage. This project focuses on the protein-cleavage mechanisms by which blood proteins and cells communicate. When this communication is disrupted, bleeding can occur. Using a new technique, the hidden interactions will be mapped to uncover previously unknown routes that regulate blood clotting. These insights contribute to a better understanding and treatment of unexplained bleeding.

OncoFlow: better visualization of brain vasculature during tumor surgery
Dr S. Soloukey Tbalvandany, Erasmus MC
Removing brain tumors can be challenging because of essential blood vessels growing near the tumor. As a result, patients wake up too often with brain damage. With a brand-new 4D-ultrasound technique researchers are able to show blood vessels and flow with microscopic precision during surgery. In this study, neurosurgeons will apply this technique for the first time to study how they can recognize the difference between tumor and brain vessels. The team aims not only to improve future surgical safety, but also to advance understanding of brain and tumor blood supply.

What’s holding you back? Improving goal-directed behavior in major depressive disorder
Dr L.A. Bustamante, University Medical Center Groningen - Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Cognition
One in four people will have an episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) in their lifetime, and one in three of these will experience multiple episodes. MDD symptoms such as difficulty thinking and feeling like they do not care can prevent accomplishing goals. These symptoms can persist even when MDD is treated and in remission, thus contributing to relapse. Multiple processes cause these challenges, but each process requires a different treatment. This project will tease apart these processes using brain scans and cognitive tests to explain difficulties with everyday goal-directed behavior, paving the way to personalized treatments to prevent relapse.

PRIME-TIME: PLA2G2D as a novel target to PRIME T-cell IMmunity and therapy Efficacy
Dr F. Dammeijer,  Erasmus MC, Dept. of Pulmonary Medicine
A minority of patients with cancer responds durably to current immunotherapies. Recent studies show that PLA2G2D is able to potently suppress tumour-reactive T-cells. How PLA2G2D affects T-cells and whether anti-PLA2G2D improves responses to immunotherapy is unknown and will be investigated in this research project.

Heartquakes: heart sounds to warn of heart failure
Dr H. Luo, Maastricht University
Researchers at Maastricht University will study why the heart makes its familiar “lub-dub” sounds and how these sounds can help people with heart failure. By combining animal measurements, ultrasound that tracks tiny shear waves in the heart muscle, and digital stethoscope recordings, the project will link sound patterns to how stiff the heart is. The findings will feed a smartphone-based system that lets patients record short sounds at home and may alert clinicians to worsening heart failure about a week earlier.

Not Everything That Can Be Done, Helps: Making Better Choices in Healthcare
Dr S. van Munster, University Medical Center Utrecht
Many patients undergo medical check-ups for years, even though there is often no proof that they are truly necessary. This project investigates when such check-ups can be safely reduced or stopped. Using a national program in which endoscopic surveillance for Barrett’s esophagus patients was discontinued, researchers will determine how much health risk is acceptable before restarting checks. By combining medical data, costs, and the preferences of patients and doctors, the project aims to provide clear guidelines for appropriate care.

Outsmarting RSV: Combining Antibodies for Lasting Protection
Dr N.I. Mazur, University Medical Center Utrecht
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia in infants worldwide. New prevention strategies protect infants using a single antibody, but the virus can change and escape this protection. This project examines whether combining several antibodies or designing one antibody that targets multiple parts of the virus can stop the virus from escaping. Researchers will study how RSV changes when exposed to antibodies and use this knowledge to design stronger, more resilient antibodies. The aim is long-lasting and affordable RSV prevention for every child.

Clearing the brain: how menopause affects Alzheimer’s risk
Dr M.M. van der Thiel, Maastricht University
Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of death in the Netherlands, disproportionately affects women, who represent two-thirds of patients. This risk increases after early menopause, when menstruation stops and hormone levels drop. This project studies how hormonal changes during menopause affect the brain’s ability to clear waste products linked to Alzheimer’s disease development. Using advanced brain scans, researchers track early changes in waste clearance after menopause and how they influence dementia risk. The results could help identify women at higher risk and support early, personalized strategies to prevent Alzheimer’s disease in women.

Trustworthy evidence from healthcare data
Dr W.A.C. van Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht
Healthcare decisions increasingly rely on data from electronic health records and registries, especially when traditional clinical trials are not feasible. However, studies based on such data are vulnerable to design and analysis errors, which can lead to misleading conclusions. This project develops a digital research assistant that helps researchers conduct observational studies more carefully and transparently. The assistant automatically checks whether key design choices are consistent and highlights assumptions and uncertainties, helping to improve the reliability of evidence derived from real-world healthcare data.

Chemotherapy-induced mitochondrial damage: The power of exercise and diet to protect muscle & heart
Dr A.E. Hiensch, University Medical Center Utrecht
Some chemotherapies can damage skeletal muscle and the heart, leading to fatigue, reduced tolerance of cancer treatment, and even chronic heart failure. A potential underlying mechanism is mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting the energy factories of our cells. Preclinical studies suggest that exercise combined with a high-protein diet may attenuate or prevent this damage. This study investigates the effects of a combined exercise and nutritional intervention on chemotherapy-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with lymphoma, using a unique, non-invasive technique: phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

A picky disease: why does drontemporal dementia only targets the front of the brain?
Dr S.C.M. de Boer, Amsterdam UMC
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a leading cause of dementia in younger people and causes major changes in personality, behaviour, and language. There are no treatments that can stop or slow the disease. A striking feature of FTD is that it often affects only one side of the brain and mainly damages the front parts of the brain. Understanding why this happens is essential for developing effective treatments. Therefore, POLAR-FTD aims to uncover the reasons behind this selective brain damage.

Pinpointing tumor-killing immune cells in melanoma
Dr F. Johnson, Netherlands Cancer Institute
This research will build a new tool to identify which immune cells inside melanoma tumors recognize cancer proteins and which ones do not. Using special lab-made molecules that mimic tumor proteins, this tool will reveal which immune cells can bind to cancer cells while providing key information why they could recognize the cancer cell and others did not. By linking this information to the cells' identity, activity levels and treatment outcomes, this research will revel why some immune responses work well while others fail, helping design better personalized cancer treatments.

Title in English: In the Loop: Decoding Familial Transmission of Cannabis Use and Psychosis
Dr M. Luo, University of Amsterdam 
Over 50% of children of parents with mental disorders will develop a disorder themselves, yet we still struggle to explain why. Neither genes nor environment alone explain the full picture. Crucially, familial transmission does not only flow from parents to children; children also shape their parents, and siblings affect each other. Focusing on cannabis use and psychosis, this project reconceptualizes transmission as a multidirectional feedback loop. Using novel family-based genomic methods, it will reveal, for the first time, how genetic predispositions operate through family environments in parent-to-child, child-to-parent, and sibling-to-sibling, informing where prevention might break the intergenerational cycle. 

Why recovery does not end fatigue in Crohn’s disease
Dr M. Ghiboub, Amsterdam UMC
Many people with Crohn’s disease experience chronic fatigue even when intestinal inflammation is under control. This severely affects work, social life and daily activities, but the biological cause is largely unknown. This project at Amsterdam UMC studies a new mechanism in which serotonin leaves a lasting “mark” on immune cell DNA. By studying patients, cells, and mice, the research aims to improve recognition of fatigue and support the development of future blood tests and treatments.