Monique Verstegen

Dr. Monique Verstegen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Erasmus MC, Faculty of Medicine. Her work is at the forefront of organoid technology and its clinical translation, particularly in liver diseases and cancer. She is actively involved in multidisciplinary research bridging surgery, regenerative medicine, and molecular oncology.

Research Interests: Her primary focus lies in organoid models for cholangiocarcinoma and liver pathophysiology. She investigates the role of the extracellular matrix, chemoresistance mechanisms, and the use of decellularized matrices in regenerative applications. Her work emphasizes in vitro modeling, transplantation, and the development of clinical safety standards.

The recent publications, including in Nature Medicine and Nature Biomedical Engineering, demonstrate a strong trend toward clinical translation of organoid systems, integration with immune components (e.g., macrophages), and regulatory science for tissue engineering. Her research is highly collaborative and spans oncology, virology, and bioengineering disciplines.

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Researcher Award 2021 - Dutch Transplant Society

Advising and Grants: She has supervised at least 6 research projects, indicating an active mentoring role. While specific grants are not listed, her high-impact publications and leadership in clinical applications suggest substantial research funding and collaborative networks, especially in transplantation and regenerative medicine.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Verstegen is embedded in a dynamic research environment at Erasmus MC focused on organoid science and surgical innovation. Her collaborations span virology, immunology, and bioengineering, indicating participation in interdisciplinary teams advancing organoid-based therapeutics and disease modeling.