Tom de Koning

Dr. Tom de Koning is a researcher at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences, specifically within the Biology-Related, Artificial, and Interventional Neuroscience (BRAIN) department. His work focuses on movement disorders, particularly dystonia, ataxia, and myoclonus, with special emphasis on genetic causes and inborn errors of metabolism.

His research interests span several critical areas in neurological disorders, with particular focus on North Sea progressive myoclonus epilepsy (Noordzeeziekte), a rare genetic disorder prevalent in the Friesland region of the Netherlands. His work integrates clinical neurology with genetic research to understand movement disorders in children and adults. He has published extensively on treatable dystonias, amino acid synthesis disorders, and the genetic basis of cerebral palsy.

Dr. de Koning's recent publications reveal a strong focus on the clinical characteristics of movement disorders, with particular attention to North Sea progressive myoclonus epilepsy. His research employs both clinical studies and Drosophila models to investigate the pathogenesis and potential treatments for these rare conditions. His work often explores the intersection of neurology, genetics, and metabolism.

• Dutch Society for Neurology, prize for best paper on movement disorders (2017)
• Dutch Society for Neurology, Prize for best paper on Movement Disorders in 2013-2014 (2015)
• prize for best paper Dutch Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (2012)
• International Horst-Bickel Award (2004)

Dr. de Koning actively supervises research projects and has presented his work at numerous academic and professional venues. His research has attracted significant media attention in the Netherlands, particularly regarding potential treatments for North Sea progressive myoclonus epilepsy. He collaborates extensively with other researchers at UMCG, including M.A.J. Tijssen, and contributes to datasets related to gene variant interpretation.