Hilleke Hulshoff Pol

Hilleke Hulshoff Pol is a full professor of neuroscience at Utrecht University and leads the Brain Plasticity Group. She also holds a part-time professorship in precision psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA, and is affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht. Her research spans structural and functional brain plasticity, integrating genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral data across the lifespan.

• Key Positions: Full Professor (Utrecht, 2021–present), Part-time Professor (Mount Sinai, 2022–present), Affiliated Professor (UMC Utrecht, 2021–present)

Her work emphasizes:

• Genetic and environmental influences on brain structure and function
• Longitudinal studies of brain development and aging
• Neuroimaging in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia
• Machine learning applications in neuroimaging

Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, MRI, and machine learning, with a focus on polygenic risk scores and longitudinal brain changes. Awards include the VIDI Award, High Potential Award, and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher (2018–2020).

• Scientific Honors: ACNP member (2020), AcademiaNet member (2015), VIDI/NWO (2004), SOFOCLES (2003)

She contributes to national and international consortia (GUTS, ENIGMA) and aims to further elucidate how brain plasticity affects pre- and postnatal development and aging to improve mental health outcomes.