Celebrating Innovation in Gastroenterology: Gastrostart Grants and Abstract Prize

the Dutch Association for Gastroenterology has recently acknowledged the promising work of young scientists in the field, awarding Gastrostart grants to Bram van Os and Andrea Vallés Martí, both affiliated with a leading research laboratory for gastroenterology and hepatology. These grants are specifically designed to support innovative,early-stage research endeavors.In an remarkable achievement, Andrea Vallés Martí also secured the prestigious abstract prize.

Investigating Inflammatory Bowel disease: Bram van Os’s Research

Bram van Os’s Gastrostart grant will fuel his research into the role of antigen presentation by fibroblasts in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). His project aims to identify and characterize these cells within tissue samples from IBD patients using advanced imaging mass cytometry. Subsequent in vitro studies will then explore their function. IBD affects millions worldwide, with prevalence rates steadily increasing. According to recent studies, approximately 1.6 million Americans and 3 million Europeans currently live with IBD, highlighting the critical need for innovative research in this area.

Unraveling Pancreatic Cancer: Andrea Vallés Martí’s Genomic and Proteomic Approach

Andrea Vallés Martí’s Gastrostart grant supports her examination into the biology of a unique patient group carrying the P16-Leiden mutation, which predisposes them to a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.Her research seeks to decipher the intricate interplay of genetic abnormalities and signaling pathways in P16-mutated pancreatic cancer by integrating genomics and phosphoproteomics. pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only around 10%. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving its development is crucial for developing more effective treatments.

Abstract prize and Presentation at Digestive Disease Days

Adding to her accomplishments, Andrea Vallés Martí also received the Abstract Prize, earning her a coveted presentation slot during the President’s Selection at the Digestive disease days (DDD) Spring 2025 conference held in Veldhoven on March 19th and 20th. Her presentation, titled The Closer, The Better: Intratumoral administration of a thermo responsive, gemcitabin-filled hydrogel in pre-clinical PDAC models, showcased promising initial pre-clinical data on a chemotherapy-filled hydrogel designed for localized pancreatic cancer treatment.

Lifetime Achievement in Developmental Biology: Christine Mummery Receives KHMW Langerhuizen Oeuvre Prize

Professor christine Mummery, a distinguished professor of Developmental Biology, has been awarded the KHMW Langerhuizen Oeuvre Prize 2025.This prestigious award recognizes her pioneering research in stem cells and the development of novel therapies for cardiovascular disease.Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year, representing 32% of all global deaths. Mummery’s work offers hope for new treatments and preventative measures.

Pioneering Stem Cell Research in the Netherlands

Mummery was among the first researchers in the netherlands to work with human stem cells in the early 2000s. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing the Netherlands as a leader in the field, notably achieving the first successful creation of heart cells from stem cells.Her research also played a important role in the introduction of the embryo law, which provided a legal framework for stem cell research.

Personalized Medicine Through Stem Cell Technology

Later in her career, while at Harvard, Mummery pioneered a new technique that allows for the creation of patient-specific stem cells from normal skin or blood cells. This breakthrough paves the way for personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup.

The KHMW Langerhuizen Oeuvre Prize is awarded annually to a top scientist in the field of natural sciences. An amount of € 25,000 is attached to the price. The presentation takes place on July 9,2025 in Haarlem.

Recognizing Excellence in Clinical Chemistry: Christa Cobbaert Honored with the Gorter and De Graaff Prize

Professor Christa Cobbaert has been awarded the Gorter and De Graaff Prize at the annual congress of the Dutch Association for Clinical chemistry and Laboratory medicine (NVCK). This award acknowledges her significant national and international contributions to the advancement and profiling of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine.

Championing Standardization and Precision Diagnostics

Professor Cobbaert is a renowned expert in metrology, the art of measuring, and has dedicated years to promoting the global standardization of laboratory diagnostics. Her research group focuses on developing more effective laboratory tests based on proteomics. This precision diagnostics approach contributes to more refined diagnoses, personalized treatment and monitoring, and improved diagnostic processes.

Global Impact on Laboratory Diagnostics

Along with her local and national activities, Professor Cobbaert actively contributes to the development of laboratory diagnostics on an international scale, solidifying her position as a leader in the field.

Recognition for Pioneering Medical Professionals

Christa Cobbaert Honored with Prestigious Gorter and De Graaff Prize

Professor Christa Cobbaert has been awarded the esteemed Gorter and De Graaff Prize, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to receive this honor since its inception in 1981. This award, given every three years, recognizes her exceptional contributions to laboratory medicine.

Cobbaert’s influence extends globally through her active involvement in organizations such as the European Federation for Laboratory medicine (EFLM), where she contributes to the IVDR Regulation. She also holds the position of chairman of the Scientific Division of the International Federation of clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), further solidifying her role as a leader in the field.

Royal Decoration Bestowed Upon jaap Hamming Upon Retirement

Professor Jaap Hamming was honored with a royal award upon his retirement on April 4th, recognizing his years of dedicated service to the medical community, particularly in vascular and endocrine surgery. A respected surgical trainer, Hamming has mentored numerous colleagues throughout his career.

Hamming was instrumental in modernizing medical education, playing a key role in the development of the national training plan and chairing the Concilium Surgicum. His commitment to surgical care extends internationally through his involvement with the European Union of Medical Specialists, where he contributed to establishing European standards and examinations for surgeons.

Beyond his surgical expertise,Hamming is recognized as a pioneer in healthcare quality and safety. He championed the adoption of Safety-II principles in Dutch hospitals, an approach now widely implemented at LUMC and serving as a model for other institutions. Safety-II emphasizes understanding how things go right in complex systems, rather than solely focusing on preventing failures.

His contributions were further acknowledged in 2019 when he received honorary membership from the Dutch Association for Surgery, a testament to his significant impact on the surgical field and his dedication to enhancing professionalism and ethics in medicine.

Anne Stiggelbout Receives International Acclaim for Contributions to Medical Decision-Making

Professor Anne Stiggelbout, a leading expert in medical decision-making, has been honored with the 2025 Career Achievement Award from the Society for Medical Decision Making. This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field.

The Career Achievement Award recognizes leading researchers who have made vital contributions to the field

Society for Medical Decision Making

BRUIS Project Launches to Enhance community Health in The Hague Zuidwest

The BRUIS project, a decade-long initiative, commenced in The Hague Zuidwest on April 14th. Spearheaded by the Longfonds and Stichting Mind, the project aims to foster a healthier habitat for the 22,000 children and young people residing in the neighborhood. This initiative is particularly timely, considering recent studies indicating a rise in mental health concerns among young people in urban areas. For example, a 2024 report by the World Health Organization highlighted a 25% increase in anxiety and depression among adolescents globally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BRUIS employs a multi-faceted approach, incorporating mobile playgrounds (Bruis Pop-ups), community activities (BRUIS Samen), and an online community center (Bruis Furthermore) to promote play, physical activity, and mental well-being. The project’s flexible design allows for continuous development in collaboration with local residents, building upon the foundations established by Healthy and Happy The Hague and the Health Campus.

The project is supported by a €13 million grant from the national Postcode Loterij’s dream fund, with €1.5 million allocated to the LUMC’s Health Campus. This funding will support interdisciplinary research, led by Dr. Nienke Slagboom, Assistant Professor of Syndemics and context-sensitive care, which will assess the program’s impact on the residents of Southwest over the next ten years. the research team includes prof. Jet Bussemaker, professor of policy, science and social impact, and Prof.Jessica Kiefte, professor of Population Health on the Health Campus, ensuring a strong connection between scientific research and sustainable health promotion.

For more information about the BRUIS project, visit the Longfonds website.

Recognition for Excellence: LUMC Faculty Shine

leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is proud to announce significant achievements and accolades earned by its esteemed faculty members. From groundbreaking research in obesity to advancements in cancer treatment and virology,LUMC continues to be at the forefront of medical innovation.

Artemiy Kovynev Honored for Obesity Research

PhD student Artemiy Kovynev was awarded the Netherlands Association for the Study of Obesity (NASO) prize for the best scientific publication in the field of obesity. The award was presented at NASO’s annual meeting in Utrecht.

Kovynev’s winning article,Timing matters: late,but not early,exercise training ameliorates MASLD in part by modulating the gut-liver axis in mice, published in the Journal of Pineal research,explores the impact of exercise timing on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This research highlights the critical role of the gut-liver axis in managing obesity-related complications. Notably, this is not the first recognition for Kovynev’s work; earlier this year, the Dutch Association of Endocrinology (NVE) recognized it as the best article within basic endocrinology during the Dutch Endocrine Meeting (DEM).

According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. Kovynev’s research offers valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions, particularly focusing on lifestyle modifications like exercise.

Corrie marijnen Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Radiotherapy

Prof. Dr. Corrie Marijnen has been honored with the Estro lifetime Achievement award 2025 for her significant contributions to the field of radiotherapy,particularly in the treatment of rectal cancer. Her work has been instrumental in advancing knowledge and improving treatment outcomes for patients worldwide.

Marijnen’s pioneering work includes leading practical phase III studies on neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer, resulting in higher cure rates and increased opportunities for organ preservation. Her dedication to education and mentorship is evident through her role as the main trainer for specialization training at LUMC, her involvement with the Dutch Association for Radiotherapy (NRVO), and her contributions to the Estro school and Young Estro Mentoring Program.

Her emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration has fostered innovation and improved patient care in rectal cancer treatment. Marijnen’s ability to unite surgeons, radiologists, gastroenterologists, and medical oncologists has led to groundbreaking research and enhanced treatment strategies. She has presented at prestigious conferences such as Esmo and ASCO, where her plenary contribution in 2023 was highly acclaimed.

Mariet Feltkamp appointed Special Professor of Medical Microbiology

as of March 1, 2025, Mariet feltkamp has been appointed as special professor of medical Microbiology, specializing in transfusion and transplantation-transferable infections, at Leiden University/LUMC. This appointment,supported by the Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation,recognizes Feltkamp’s expertise in virology and her commitment to innovative scientific research.

Feltkamp, who gained national recognition as a virologist during the recent health crisis, combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge research.Her focus lies in persistent infections caused by DNA viruses such as papillomaviruses (HPV), polyomaviruses (HPYV), and Anelloviruses (TTV). She investigates the prevalence, behavior, and potential complications of these viruses, aiming to improve the prediction and treatment of complications in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as transplant rejection or infections.

As 2023, Feltkamp has been affiliated with Sanquin in Amsterdam. She also serves as a board member of the European Society for Clinical Virology (ESCV) and a member of the Genetic Modification Committee (Cogem).

The Power of Exercise Timing in Obesity Management

Emerging research suggests that the timing of exercise interventions could significantly impact their effectiveness in combating obesity. A recent study conducted in Eindhoven highlights that initiating exercise later in the progression of obesity may yield more considerable benefits compared to starting earlier.This challenges conventional wisdom and opens new avenues for personalized obesity treatment strategies.

Gut Microbiome: A Key Player in Exercise-Induced Benefits

The study, led by Kovynev within Prof. Patrick Rensen’s research group, utilized a clinically relevant mouse model to investigate the impact of exercise timing on obesity. The findings revealed that treadmill exercise initiated later in the obese state was more effective in reducing visceral fat accumulation than early exercise. This improvement was closely linked to significant alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome.

With transplantation of shit from late sporting mice to non-sporting mice, he showed that the protective effect of late exercise could partly be used to add to intestinal bacteria.

The researchers further demonstrated the crucial role of the gut microbiome by transplanting fecal matter from mice that exercised later in their obese state into sedentary mice. This transplantation partially replicated the protective effects observed in the exercising mice, underscoring the potential of the gut microbiome as a therapeutic target.

Visceral Fat Reduction: A Critical Outcome

Visceral fat, the fat that accumulates around abdominal organs, is particularly dangerous due to its association with increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies show that individuals with high levels of visceral fat are at a significantly higher risk of developing these conditions. The study’s finding that late-onset exercise is more effective in reducing visceral fat highlights its potential to mitigate these risks.

Implications for Personalized Obesity Treatment

These findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise for obesity management may not be optimal.The timing of exercise interventions should be considered alongside other factors such as diet and genetics to develop personalized treatment plans. further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms driving the observed effects and to translate these findings to human populations.

Future Directions and Research

The study’s results pave the way for future research exploring the specific changes in the gut microbiome induced by late-onset exercise and their impact on metabolic health. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome to enhance the benefits of exercise and combat obesity more effectively. This could involve prebiotics, probiotics, or even fecal microbiota transplantation to optimize the gut environment for weight management.