Erik Storkebaum

Erik Storkebaum is a Full Professor at Radboud University and serves as Scientific Director of the Donders Center for Neuroscience since 2022. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of motor neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy, using Drosophila melanogaster and mouse genetics. He previously led an Independent Max Planck Research Group (2010–2018) and held leadership roles at the Donders Institute and Radboud University.

• PhD in Molecular Medicine (University of Leuven, Belgium)
• Postdoctoral training in Drosophila neurodegeneration research (VIB, Leuven)

His work spans mRNA translation, tRNA biology, axonal degeneration, and gene expression regulation in neurodegenerative contexts. He has published 42 high-impact papers in journals like Nature, Science, and New England Journal of Medicine, accumulating 7,880 citations (h-index 28).

Scientific Awards

• ERC consolidator grant (2018)
• Frick Foundation Award for ALS research (2010)
• FWO-Flanders Postdoctoral Fellow (2005–2011)
• Krediet aan Navorser (2007)
• Galenus prize (2005)
• Baron Simonart prize (2005)
• Pharmaleuven prize (2001)
• FWO-Flanders predoctoral fellow (2000–2004)

Storkebaum has secured 7.8 million euros in research funding since 2010, including the ERC consolidator grant. He co-organized four scientific meetings and serves as investigator on a patent application for tRNA overexpression therapy in CMT neuropathy, leading to the spin-off company XtRNA Bio developing AAV9-tRNAGly therapy for clinical application.