Susanne Kooistra

Dr. Susanne Kooistra is a Research Professor in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). She leads the Senescence, Stem Cells, and Inflammation (SSI) research group, focusing on neuroinflammation, microglial biology, and epigenetic regulation in neurological disorders. Her work spans multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and developmental neurobiology, emphasizing the role of microglia in disease progression and repair mechanisms.

Her research integrates transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches to study immune responses in the central nervous system, particularly in contexts of aging, injury, and developmental stressors. Collaborations with institutions like the UMCG and international teams have advanced insights into microglial heterogeneity, myelin repair, and the impact of environmental factors on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Dr. Kooistra’s publications highlight contributions to understanding microglial function in demyelination, stress-induced immune modulation, and epigenetic memory in neuroinflammation. Her work has been recognized through high-impact journals and international peer-reviewed contributions, with a focus on translating basic discoveries into clinical insights for neurodegenerative diseases.