Ronald van Kesteren

Prof. Ronald van Kesteren is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with Amsterdam Neuroscience - Neurodegeneration. He holds dual appointments in Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical implications, often using mouse models and genetic approaches.

He teaches courses including

• Behavioral Neurosciences
• Medical Biochemistry
• Neuroendocrine Regulation
• The Adaptive Brain
• The Developing Brain

His research explores:

• Neuroplasticity and synaptic function in disease
• Transcriptional regulation in neural repair
• Animal welfare in experimental neuroscience
• Neuroprotective strategies from hibernation biology

Recent studies highlight Alzheimer’s risk modulation by early-life stress (2025), spinal cord regeneration via transcription factors (2025), and preclinical biomarkers in autosomal Alzheimer’s (2024). His datasets include protein signatures in frontotemporal dementia subtypes (2022).