Ruud Toonen

Prof. Ruud Toonen is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, holding dual appointments in the Functional Genomics department and Amsterdam Neuroscience's Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms division. He earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Utrecht University (2002).

His research focuses on synaptic plasticity mechanisms and their dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Key areas include presynaptic protein machinery (Stxbp1, SV2), kinase pathways (PKC, ERK), neuropeptide secretion dynamics, and EV-based therapeutic delivery. He collaborates with biotech firms on anti-epileptics and gene therapies.

Teaching roles include coordinating the Research Master Neuroscience's Fundamental Neuroscience track and Biomolecular & Neurosciences Minor. He chairs Master Neuroscience and ONWAR PhD teaching committees.

Recent articles explore neuropeptide secretion pathways, axonal repair in motor neurons, and STXBP1 variants in neurological disorders. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing health and innovation.

Supervised 27 PhD theses and developed datasets on neuropeptide secretion (e.g., Dynamin's role in vesicle fusion). Active in academic networks and open-access publishing.