Rob Coppes

Prof. dr. Rob Coppes is a Professor in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He holds dual roles in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Cell Biology, focusing on radiation biology and tissue regeneration. His expertise spans salivary gland regeneration, stem cell therapy, and mitigating radiation-induced damage.

Education:

• MSc Biology (Neuropharmacology/Neurophysiology), University of Groningen (1988)
• PhD in Molecular Pharmacology (1993)

Positions & Roles:

• Editor-in-Chief of Biology of Radiotherapy and Oncology
• Editorial Board Member of Stem Cells and Cancers
• Scientific Advisor to Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
• President of the Dutch Radiation Biology Society (NVRB)

Research Interests: His work centers on radiation-induced tissue damage mechanisms, particularly in salivary glands, and developing stem cell-based therapies to restore function post-radiotherapy. Key areas include organoid biorepositories, proton therapy effects, and mitigating xerostomia. He collaborates internationally on projects like the EU-funded RESTART study.

Awards:

• Baca and Alexander Award (2015)
• Kolff Paper of the year - Societal Impact Award (2022)

Grants & Projects:

• EU FP7 Project on neutron cancer risk assessment
• ZonMw-funded salivary gland stem cell transplantation
• Irradiation-induced lung damage studies

Labs/Teams: Leads research groups in the Onco-Immunology and Senescence, Stem Cells, and Inflammation divisions at UMCG. Collaborates with institutions like Stanford University and the National Cancer Institute (NKI).