Bas Vastert

Dr. Sebastiaan J. Vastert is an Associate Professor in Medical Sciences at University Medical Center Utrecht, specializing in Pediatric Rheumatology within the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital. His work bridges clinical practice and translational research, focusing on systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and novel therapeutic development.

• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• Primary Affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht
• Research Unit: Center of Translational Immunology
• Strategic Program: Child Health Infection & Immunity

Research Focus: Translational immunology in pediatric autoimmune diseases, particularly JIA. His lab explores:

• Mechanisms of disease pathogenesis
• Metabolic reprogramming in T-cells
• Nicotinamide as immunomodulatory agent
• Epigenetic regulation of inflammation
• Clinical implementation of precision medicine

Research Trends: Recent publications emphasize molecular mechanisms (LIMK1 variants, histone acetylation), immune cell metabolism, and clinical guideline development for Still's disease. Collaborative work spans genetics, pharmacology, and multi-omics approaches.

Scientific Recognition:

• 2007 Best Basic Abstract Award
• 2014 Wilhelmina Research Fund (€150,000)
• 2015 ZonMW Rational Pharmacotherapy Grant (€340,000)

Collaborative Leadership: Co-leads the v Loosdregt-Vastert group with molecular biologist Jorg van Loosdregt since 2015, overseeing 5 PhD students, 1 postdoc, and 2 technicians focused on translating cutting-edge immunology to clinical applications.