Find Academic Supervisors

Anne KupczokView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Evolutionary Genomics
• Microbial Evolution
• +4 more

Dr. Anne Kupczok is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioinformatics at Wageningen University & Research since August 2020. Her research focuses on evolutionary (meta-)genomics, particularly analyzing microbial and viral evolution through genomic and metagenomic data. She investigates interactions between organisms like phages and bacteria, and their impact on genome evolution. Key interests include mutation, recombination, and horizontal gene transfer in microbial and viral systems. Her work spans diverse areas such as soil microbiome dynamics in intercropping systems, viral discovery, and computational tools for analyzing pangenomes. She teaches courses including Biological Discovery through Computation and Algorithms in Bioinformatics . Current projects include optimizing intercropping via soil microbiome insights and advancing RNA virus discovery methodologies. Dr. Kupczok’s expertise lies in bioinformatics, comparative genomics, and phylogenomics. She is affiliated with the Bioinformatics group (BIF) and located at Droevendaalsesteeg 1, WAGENINGEN, in Radix Westvleugel/W2.Bd.085. Her research integrates computational methods with ecological and evolutionary questions, contributing to both fundamental and applied microbiology.

Heinrich WörtcheView profile

Professor

• Sensor Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• +4 more

Heinrich Wörtche is a Professor of Sensors and Smart Systems at Eindhoven University of Technology, leading research in sensor-driven digitization of industrial processes. He holds affiliations including Guest Scientist at the University of Groningen and Senior Researcher roles. His academic career spans positions at institutions like the University of Münster and Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. Education: Doctor rerum naturalium (Nuclear and High Energy Physics), Technical University Darmstadt (1994) Research Interests: Focuses on AI-driven sensor systems, robotics, cyber-physical systems, and industrial digitization. Key areas include visible light communication optimization, autonomous robot localization, and dementia behavior monitoring through sensor technology. His work aligns with UN SDGs for innovation and sustainable industry. Projects: Leads initiatives like MINDD (dementia assistive tech), NXT GEN Autonomous Factory, and XAIPre (explainable AI for maintenance). Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, healthcare, and AI. Awards: Best Paper Award - OL2A 2023 Grants & Labs: Coordinates EU-funded projects and leads the Sensors and Smart Systems research group. Involved in developing miniature wireless explorative sensor systems and digital twin applications for industrial processes.

• Breast Cancer
• Digital Image Analysis
• Tumor Microenvironment
• +4 more

Mieke Zwager is a researcher at the University of Groningen specializing in breast cancer pathology and digital image analysis. Her work focuses on tumor microenvironment dynamics, immune responses, and biomarker validation, contributing significantly to precision oncology through high-impact publications in pathology and cancer research journals. Her primary research areas include breast cancer diagnostics, digital pathology algorithms, tumor-immune interactions, and molecular biomarkers. She employs advanced techniques like immunohistochemistry and computational image analysis to investigate Ki67 hotspot detection, Cyclin E1 signaling pathways, and adipose tissue microstructures in relation to cancer progression and genetic risk factors. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a concentrated effort on integrating digital pathology with immunological profiling in breast cancer. Key themes include algorithmic optimization for biomarker quantification, interferon signaling in antitumor immunity, genomic instability-immune infiltration correlations, and metabolic imaging in metastatic disease. Her collaborative work through the IMPACT-Metastatic Breast Consortium demonstrates translational research bridging histopathology and nuclear medicine. Dr. Zwager operates within the University Medical Center Groningen's oncology research ecosystem, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of pathologists, medical oncologists, and molecular biologists to advance breast cancer diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.

• Animal Physiology
• Dairy Science
• Poultry Science
• +3 more

Bas Kemp is a Full Professor at Wageningen University, specializing in Adaptation Physiology. His research focuses on animal production systems, particularly in dairy cows, broiler chickens, and sows, emphasizing welfare, nutrition, and physiological adaptation. He leads projects exploring lactation management, husbandry practices, and genetic influences on livestock. Key research areas include optimizing lactation length in dairy cows, understanding broiler welfare in different husbandry systems, and evaluating sow nutrition during lactation. His work integrates machine learning for anomaly detection in poultry farming and behavioral monitoring in dairy cattle. Notable achievements include a prize for studying early feeding impacts on gut microbiome development. He supervises over 70 PhD projects, including studies on cow-calf contact systems and sow maternal behavior. Kemp collaborates globally, addressing challenges like heat stress mitigation and antibiotic reduction in livestock. His contributions span 1089 publications, with recent focus on animal resilience, environmental enrichment, and precision agriculture techniques. He actively participates in conferences and media outreach to promote sustainable livestock practices.

• Horticulture
• Plant Physiology
• Agricultural Engineering
• +3 more

Anja Dieleman is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research (PE&RC) specializing in LED lighting strategies, plant physiology, and sustainable greenhouse systems. Her work focuses on optimizing energy use through dynamic lighting solutions, autonomous crop management, and climate-smart agriculture. She leads major projects like AGROS II and the Masterplan Licht, aiming to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in horticulture. Key research interests include light spectrum effects on plant growth, autonomous greenhouse systems, and precision agriculture. She collaborates with industry partners like Signify to translate research into practical applications. Recent projects explore sensor-integrated lighting protocols, smart climate control, and AI-driven crop management. Dieleman has published over 350 outputs, including datasets on LED efficiency, lighting strategies for floriculture, and autonomous cultivation systems. Her work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in energy conservation, genetic diversity, and sustainable production. She actively engages in knowledge dissemination through workshops, media contributions, and international conferences. Current initiatives include developing decision-support systems for growers and advancing climate-neutral greenhouse practices. Her research emphasizes practical solutions for growers while advancing fundamental understanding of plant-environment interactions.

Cindy KuijpersView profile

Associate Professor

• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Genetic Algorithms
• +5 more

Cindy Kuijpers is an Associate Professor and Academic Director of the Master Supply Chain Management program at Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM), part of Tilburg University. She holds a position in the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management. Her work focuses on operations management, supply chain optimization, and applications of genetic algorithms in complex problem-solving. Her research interests span genetic algorithms for optimization challenges like the Traveling Salesman Problem, supply chain risk management in agricultural industries, and sustainability in supply networks through simulation-based approaches. She has contributed to foundational studies in moral graph triangulation and wafer stepper efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing. Key publications include seminal works on genetic algorithm representations (1999), supply risk management in Dutch horticulture (2005), and trust’s role in sustainable supply chains (2008). No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. She teaches Operations Management across multiple programs (IBA, EBE, BA, BE). No advising relationships or grants are detailed in the source materials. Her interdisciplinary work bridges theoretical computer science with practical supply chain challenges, reflecting her dual focus on algorithmic innovation and industry-relevant solutions.

• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Neonatal screening
• Hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSD)
• +3 more

Dr. Terry Derks is an Associate Professor and Consultant Pediatric Metabolic Diseases specialist at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences. He holds leadership roles including Principal Investigator at UMCG's MoHAD Research Institute and Board Member of the European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases (MetabERN). His expertise focuses on inborn errors of metabolism, neonatal screening, and glycogen storage diseases (GSD). Education: MSc Medicine (1999), MD (2001), Pediatrics Specialization (2010), Inborn Errors of Metabolism Specialization (2013), PhD (2007) on MCAD deficiency. Research Interests: Dr. Derks leads research on metabolic disorders such as GSD, MCADD, and MADD. Key areas include diagnostic methodologies (e.g., machine learning models), therapy development (e.g., gene therapy), and international consensus-building for disease management. His work emphasizes clinical trials, newborn screening optimization, and patient-centered care innovations. Awards: Recognized with the Garrod Award (2017), Mandema Stipend (2009), and Beatrix Children's Hospital Teaching Prize (2022). Grants & Labs: Oversees projects funded by grants like CNPq and collaborates internationally. Coordinates initiatives like GSD Value and the International GSD Priority Setting Partnership. Active in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including summer schools and mentorship programs. Labs/Teams: Leads metabolic disease research teams at Beatrix Children's Hospital and UMCG, focusing on interdisciplinary collaborations between clinicians, biochemists, and geneticists.

Michiel RienstraView profile

Professor

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Heart Failure
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• +5 more

Prof. Michiel Rienstra is a clinical cardiologist and Professor of Clinical Cardiology at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). His roles include past-Clinical Director of the Department of Cardiology and founder of the HeartNetwork Northern-Netherlands. He specializes in atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), and implantable cardiac devices. He holds leadership positions in national/international organizations including the Dutch Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Institute. Education & Career: Graduated in medicine (cum laude) from the University of Antwerp (2003), earned a PhD in AF research from Groningen (2007), and completed a postdoc at Harvard Medical School (2010-2011). He trained in cardiology and device specialization at UMCG, where he continues clinical and research work. Research Focus: AF/HF epidemiology, genetics, and clinical trials (e.g., RACE V, DECISION, EHRA-PATHS). Uses big data, AI, and biobanks for AF risk prediction. Key projects include the EmbRACE network studying AF pathophysiology and the MyDigiTwin AI consortium. Awards & Grants: NWO Rubicon (2009), NWO Veni (2012), ESC Academic Grant (2015), Fellowships from ESC/AHA. Leads national consortia like CVON-RACE V and CVON-AI. Teaching & Mentorship: Supervised 17 PhD students, currently mentoring 15. His team includes postdocs, assistant professors, and medical students. Active in training future clinical researchers. Key Contributions: Over 350 publications, including landmark studies on AF genetics, AI-driven ECG analysis, and multimorbidity impacts. Coordinated 2024 ESC AF management guidelines.

Gerard KoppelmanView profile

Professor

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Genetics of Asthma
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Gerard Koppelman is a Full Professor of Pediatric Pulmonology at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Groningen Research Institute of Asthma and COPD (GRIAC). He holds leadership roles as Head of the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). His clinical practice focuses on children with severe chronic lung diseases, while his research emphasizes genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors influencing asthma and atopy. Key achievements include identifying novel asthma-related genes and epigenetic signatures in childhood asthma. **Education**: MD (cum laude) from University of Groningen (1996), PhD in Medical Sciences (cum laude) on asthma genetics (2001). Career highlights include tenure-track positions, Visiting Associate Professorships at Harvard Medical School, and leadership roles in global research consortia. **Research Focus**: Diagnostic DNA tests, early asthma biomarkers, gene function studies in cellular/animal models. Collaborates closely with patients and industry (e.g., AstraZeneca). Founded exquAIro, leveraging AI for health innovation. **Awards & Roles**: Vici Grant (2022), Editorial Board member of *Allergy* and *American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine*, Ambassador for Open Access at University of Groningen. **Grants & Students**: Supervises 9 PhD students. Recent grants include funding for long-term lung function studies and AI-driven allergy diagnosis algorithms. Media highlights include breakthroughs in DNA-based allergy detection and asthma treatment optimization.

Muhamed AminView profile

Lecturer

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Quantum Chemistry
• +6 more

Muhamed Amin is a Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University College Groningen. His expertise spans biochemistry, quantum chemistry, and computational biology, with a focus on photosynthetic mechanisms, redox potentials, and drug discovery applications. He contributes to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of machine learning and biophysical systems. Research interests include the structural dynamics of Photosystem II, particularly the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), and the application of computational methods to predict molecular interactions. His work addresses fundamental questions in energy conversion (e.g., water splitting) and drug design, leveraging machine learning to bridge coordination chemistry and protein function. Key publications highlight advancements in nanoparticle alignment for imaging, redox potential modeling of iron-sulfur clusters, and drug discovery algorithms. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy. Collaborations span global institutions, with notable contributions to datasets like CMInject, a Python framework for nanoparticle simulation. Amin has engaged in public discourse on SARS-CoV-2, particularly ACE2 receptor interactions and population-specific risks, as evidenced by media features in 2022. His work emphasizes translating computational insights into practical solutions for health and energy challenges.

• Prostate Cancer
• Radioligand Therapy
• Nuclear Medicine
• +3 more

Bastiaan Privé is a Researcher at the Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC). His research focuses on advanced molecular imaging and radioligand therapy, particularly in prostate cancer and salivary gland malignancies. He specializes in the development and optimization of PSMA-targeted therapies using radiopharmaceuticals like lutetium-177 and fluorine-18. Key research areas include dosimetry modeling for radiation therapy, genetic biomarker analysis (e.g., TP53 alterations), and comparative imaging studies (MRI/PET/CT). His work integrates clinical trials, pharmacological evaluations, and computational methods to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. Recent studies highlight innovations in single-time-point dosimetry using Bayesian fitting, the impact of genetic profiles on therapy response, and the application of PSMA-1007 PET for prostate cancer recurrence detection. Collaborations span multidisciplinary teams involving oncologists, radiologists, and biomedical engineers. Notable contributions include pioneering PSMA-based therapies for salivary gland cancers and advancing multimodal imaging protocols for early cancer detection. His research emphasizes translational applications with direct clinical relevance, supported by peer-reviewed publications in journals like Theranostics and Radiology .

Ron van SchaikView profile

Professor

• Pharmacogenetics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Clinical Chemistry
• +7 more

Ron van Schaik is a Full Professor at Erasmus MC in the Department of Clinical Chemistry, where he leads research at the intersection of pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical biochemistry. His work emphasizes genotype-guided drug therapy and personalized dosing strategies across multiple therapeutic areas. His research interests focus on pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine , particularly in optimizing drug therapy through genetic and metabolic profiling. Key areas include CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 -mediated metabolism, DPYD deficiency screening for fluoropyrimidines, and genotype-based dosing in oncology, transplantation, and cardiology. His work bridges laboratory science with clinical implementation, aiming to improve drug safety and efficacy. The recent articles highlight a consistent trend toward precision dosing and clinical translation of pharmacogenomics . Topics span from tacrolimus dosing in transplant patients to uracil-guided fluoropyrimidine therapy, genotype-based asthma treatment, and drug-drug interactions involving semaglutide and targeted cancer therapies. These reflect a strong commitment to evidence-based, individualized treatment protocols. Scientific contributions and collaborations: Active in multi-center clinical trials such as the Alpe2U study Collaborates widely across oncology, pediatrics, cardiology, and pharmacology Research cited in high-impact journals including European Journal of Cancer , Clinical Pharmacokinetics , and Cancer Communications He has supervised multiple research projects, as indicated by supervised work records, and is likely involved in major grant-funded initiatives, though specific grants are not listed. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams and translational research frameworks. Ron van Schaik is part of a broad research network at Erasmus MC, contributing to the Clinical Chemistry department’s leadership in pharmacogenomic testing and implementation. His research group collaborates with national and international partners in pharmacology, genetics, and clinical medicine to advance precision medicine.

• Pharmacokinetics
• Transplant Medicine
• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
• +3 more

Marith Francke is a Researcher in the Department of Internal Medicine at Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Rotterdam, specializing in pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressive agents for kidney transplant recipients. Her work focuses on optimizing tacrolimus therapy through population modeling and precision dosing approaches. Her primary research interests include pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressants, therapeutic drug monitoring, transplant pharmacology, nephrology, and clinical pharmacology. She investigates CYP3A4/CYP3A5 polymorphisms, ethnic variability in drug response, alternative sampling matrices like dried blood spots, and pharmacokinetic changes in special populations including pregnant transplant recipients. Her work bridges laboratory research on intracellular drug concentrations with clinical applications for individualized dosing. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on tacrolimus optimization in kidney transplantation. Key themes include population pharmacokinetic modeling for dose individualization, exploration of genetic and physiological factors affecting drug exposure, and validation of novel monitoring techniques. Her research demonstrates strong international collaboration, particularly with Tunisian institutions, and consistently addresses critical gaps in transplant pharmacotherapy through methodological innovation and clinical validation.

Rik van GorpView profile

Researcher

• Electrochemical Engineering
• Green Hydrogen Production
• Porous Electrode Design
• +3 more

Rik van Gorp is a Doctoral Candidate at the Eindhoven University of Technology , affiliated with the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and the Electrochemical Materials and Systems research group. His work focuses on advancing green hydrogen production through optimized alkaline water electrolysis technologies. BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Groningen and Eindhoven University of Technology Co-founder of Heratec, a spin-off commercializing sustainable electrochemical electrodes Rik's research spans computational modeling of porous electrode microstructures, pore network modeling, and electrochemical device optimization. He applies genetic algorithms to enhance electrode design for applications in fuel cells and redox flow batteries, aiming to address high capital costs and energy efficiency challenges in hydrogen deployment. His recent work trends include: Water management strategies in anion exchange membrane fuel cells Microstructure engineering for improved power density Redox flow battery electrode performance analysis Hydrogen's role in decarbonizing energy systems Scientific recognition includes: NWO Take-Off Grant Faculty of Impact Fellowship Teijin Innovation Challenge Grant TTT Innovation Grant Cum Laude distinction for MSc studies Rik has also contributed to evaluating pore network modeling's robustness for energy storage systems and explored electrode design principles through computational methods. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for affordable clean energy and climate action.

• Vulnerable Plaques
• Ultrasound Imaging
• Photoacoustic Imaging
• +5 more

Marcel CM Rutten is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, specializing in Cardiovascular Biomechanics. His research focuses on vulnerable plaque characterization, biomechanical modeling, and advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound and photoacoustics. Research Interests: Vulnerable Plaque Analysis Photoacoustic Imaging Medical Device Development Hemodynamic Flow Modeling In Vitro/Ex Vivo Testing Recent Article Trends: His 2022-2024 publications emphasize integrated photonics for medical sensors, strain imaging in ultrasound simulations, and in vitro flow models for heart valve prostheses. Key themes include hemodynamic risk assessment, wave propagation analysis, and machine learning applications in biomedical optics. Active Projects: Currently leads "Integrated Photonics based Thermodilution Curve Measurement" (2023-2029) and teaches courses like Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics and Project Biomechanics through 2025. Media Engagement: Featured in professional commentaries on mathematical modeling for heart valves (2021) and ultrasound simulation advancements (2023).