Yvette van Kooyk

Yvette van Kooyk serves as Professor and Department Head of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where her pioneering immunology research has transformed understanding of immune system disruptions in cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Her work centers on glycans (sugar molecules) that regulate immune cell communication, revealing how they can either stimulate or inhibit immune responses. This foundational research drives her development of targeted nanomedicines to enhance the body's defense against diseases, positioning her as a global leader in glyco-immunology and translational immunotherapeutics.

Her exceptional contributions have earned prestigious recognition including:

• Spinoza Prize (2019)
• ERC Advanced Grant

Van Kooyk actively bridges science and society through initiatives to build international glyco-immunology networks, strengthen clinical research integration, and collaborate with artists to communicate complex immunological concepts to broader audiences beyond traditional scientific channels.