Paul Hagedoorn is a Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen, specializing in Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy . His work focuses on inhalation technology, pulmonary drug delivery, and medical device development. Expertise in Dry Powder Inhalers and Smart Inhalers Active in Cystic Fibrosis , Parkinson's Disease , and Asthma Treatment Published extensively on Pharmacokinetics and Digital Health applications Recent research includes clinical trials on inhaled Tobramycin for cystic fibrosis and Levodopa formulations for Parkinson's disease. He also explores digital monitoring tools for asthma management. His collaborations span respiratory medicine, neurology, and pharmaceutical engineering, with key contributions to Dry Powder Formulation and Patient-Centered Inhalation Technologies . Contact: p.hagedoorn@rug.nl
Dr. Karim Rafie is an Assistant Professor in Molecular Pharmacology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, structural biology, and virology. He investigates viral entry mechanisms, enzymatic processes in posttranslational modifications (e.g., O-GlcNAc transferase), and drug delivery systems using extracellular vesicles. His work contributes to understanding infectious diseases, neurodegenerative mechanisms, and therapeutic development. Research Interests: - Structural biology of viral pathogens (e.g., adenoviruses) - Enzyme inhibitors and ligase activity modulation - Extracellular vesicle-based drug delivery - O-GlcNAc glycosylation and its biological roles Recent Articles: Dr. Rafie’s publications highlight advancements in viral capsid structure determination, enzymatic mechanisms (e.g., E3 ligases, O-GlcNAc transferase), and applications of extracellular vesicles in medicine. His 2025 studies address calcium signaling in neuronal death and inhalable dry powder formulations, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to pharmacology and biomedicine. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, focusing on molecular pharmacology and structural enzymology.
Reinoud Gosens is a Professor of Translational Pharmacology at the University of Groningen , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology . His research focuses on mechanisms regulating tissue repair and remodeling in asthma and COPD, particularly targeting neuronal signaling, Wnt/Frizzled receptors, and novel drug candidates. Education: PhD in Pharmacology (cum laude), University of Groningen (2004) MSc in Pharmacy (cum laude), University of Groningen (2000) Research Interests: His work integrates molecular pharmacology and translational research to address chronic lung diseases. Key areas include WNT signaling in fibrosis, neuroimmune interactions in asthma, and regenerative therapies for COPD. He has pioneered studies on the role of acetylcholine in inflammation and the therapeutic potential of anticholinergics. Awards & Grants: Prix Galien Research Award (2018) NWO Vidi (2012) and Veni (2007) grants Over 30 grants from institutions like the Netherlands Lung Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim Academic Roles: He chairs the Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC) and serves on editorial boards of journals like Respiratory Research and Frontiers in Physiology . He also holds leadership roles in professional societies such as the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS). Labs/Teams: His lab focuses on in vitro models of lung repair, including organoids and precision-cut lung slices. Collaborations include projects on lung regeneration and drug discovery for COPD.
Anne de Boer (A.H. de Boer) is a Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen , affiliated with the Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy department. She contributes to interdisciplinary research spanning Pharmaceutical Science , Respiratory Medicine , and Environmental Toxicology . Her research focuses on dry powder inhalers , pulmonary drug delivery , and inhalation device development . Recent work includes studies on the environmental impact of inhalers and behavioral ecology in dung beetles . Scientific contributions include 133+ publications and the Wubbo Ockels Prize (2010) . She collaborates on pulmonary drug delivery projects and has supervised 4+ research works.
Anika Nagelkerke serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medical Sciences (UMCG). Her work in the Pharmaceutical Analysis group bridges cancer biology and respiratory medicine, with office location at the University Medical Center Groningen (A Deusinglaan 1). Her research spans malignant neoplasms, breast cancer, and molecular pathways including membrane proteins, unfolded protein response, and autophagy. She simultaneously investigates COPD pathogenesis and develops regenerative therapies for alveolar repair through pharmaceutical innovation and molecular signaling studies. Recent publications reveal a strong translational focus on respiratory regenerative medicine, featuring osteoglycin-based epithelial repair mechanisms, enzymatically degradable scaffolds, and bronchial inflammation modulation. Her work integrates pharmaceutical technology with cell biology to address critical gaps in COPD treatment. Dr. Nagelkerke's contributions have been recognized with significant awards: Developing a novel regenerative therapy for effective COPD treatment based on the secretome of mesenchymal stem cells (2022) Developing a novel extracellular vesicles-based regenerative therapy for COPD (2021) She actively leads collaborative research initiatives through editorial roles in Frontiers in Oncology and leadership positions in Human Organ and Disease Model Technologies, while hosting international researchers and engaging in professional outreach through the Dutch Society of Toxicology. Her laboratory work operates at the intersection of the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) and UMCG, utilizing precision-cut lung slices, pulmonary organoid models, and pharmaceutical formulation techniques to advance regenerative respiratory therapeutics.
Dr. Floris Grasmeijer is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy department. His research focuses on pharmaceutical technology, particularly inhalation drug delivery systems, including dry powder inhalation formulations for antibiotics, antimalarials, and neuropharmaceuticals. He holds a PhD in adhesive mixtures for inhalation (2014) from the same institution. Key research interests include optimizing excipient selection, aerosolization mechanisms, and device design for inhalation therapies targeting conditions like cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's disease, and tuberculosis. His work emphasizes improving drug delivery efficiency, patient compliance, and formulation stability through innovations in dry powder technologies. Recent publications highlight advancements in colistin and tobramycin dry powder inhalers, hydroxychloroquine pharmacokinetics, and levodopa inhalation for Parkinson’s management. His studies also address challenges in high-dose aerosol delivery and antistatic valved chambers, contributing to both academic and clinical applications in pulmonary drug delivery.
Erik Frijlink is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy at the University of Groningen, a position he has held since 1998. Prior to his academic career, he served as head of the Pharmaceutical Development department at Solvay Pharmaceuticals. His research focuses on advanced drug delivery technologies, particularly inhalation therapy and powder formulations, with significant impact on patient care through innovations like the Novolizer powder inhalator. Professor Frijlink's research interests span multiple areas of pharmaceutical technology with a particular emphasis on pulmonary drug delivery systems. His work has led to the development of the Novolizer inhaler, which is currently used by at least 600,000 patients worldwide (approaching one million), demonstrating the real-world impact of his research. He leads an international consortium of twelve partners working on a universal flu vaccine, supported by a €6 million European Union grant. His research group is internationally prominent in the field of advanced drug administration technologies, with particular focus on dry powder inhalation, vaccine delivery, and targeted drug release systems for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Frijlink's extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on pharmaceutical formulation challenges, particularly in the areas of inhalation therapy, vaccine delivery, and targeted drug release. His recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued innovation in dry powder formulations, microneedle technology, and novel drug delivery approaches for conditions ranging from tuberculosis to Parkinson's disease. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges pharmaceutical sciences, respiratory medicine, and biomedical engineering. Professor Frijlink has received significant recognition for his work, including nomination for the Huibregtsen Prize in 2016, the Dr. Saal van Zwanenberg Honorary Prize, and the Utrecht University Award for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Research in 2015. The Huibregtsen Prize jury noted that "Frijlink's work is a textbook example of ground-breaking research that is also of great importance to society. He combines academic excellence with social relevance, while also being the inventor one of only a handful of discoveries by a Dutch university leading to a remarkable flow of patent-generated income." As principal investigator of major research grants, including the €6 million EU-funded universal flu vaccine project, Frijlink has demonstrated strong leadership in securing competitive research funding. His work has resulted in multiple patents and commercial applications, most notably the Novolizer inhaler technology. He collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines and institutions, as evidenced by his co-authorship on papers spanning pharmaceutical sciences, respiratory medicine, and vaccine development. Professor Frijlink leads a research group at the University of Groningen focused on pharmaceutical technology and biopharmacy. His team works on several major projects including the universal flu vaccine consortium, development of novel inhalation therapies, and targeted drug delivery systems for inflammatory bowel disease. The group maintains strong connections with pharmaceutical industry partners and clinical researchers to ensure their work addresses real-world therapeutic challenges.
Prof. Henderik Willem Frijlink is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering. He leads the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy and previously served as Director of the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (2016–2022). His expertise spans drug formulation, pulmonary delivery systems, and biopharmaceutical stabilization. Frijlink holds a PharmD (1985) and PhD (1990) from the University of Groningen, with prior roles including Head of Pharmaceutical Development at Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Research Focus: Pulmonary drug delivery, dry powder inhalers, protein stabilization, and oral dosage forms Key Projects: UniSec (universal influenza vaccines), iABC (inhalable antibiotics for cystic fibrosis), and Novell Virucidal Drugs Education: Pharmaceutical Degree, University of Groningen (1985) PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Groningen (1990) Research Interests: Formulation science for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines Optimization of drug delivery systems for pulmonary and oral routes Solid-state stabilization of labile therapeutics Recent Article Trends: Focus on inhalable therapies (e.g., tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis treatments), regenerative medicine applications of fibroblast signaling, and advanced microneedle array design. Awards: 2023: Saal van Zwanenberg Honorary Price 2023: University of Groningen Impact Innovator Excellence Award 2020: EJPB Most Cited Paper Award Advising & Funding: Supervised 49 PhD students and secured €52 million in research grants (2000–2022). Active in industry collaborations via roles at PureIMS, Asterivir SA, and others. Labs/Teams: Leads the Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy department, collaborating with academic and industrial partners globally.
Dr. Wouter Hinrichs is a researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen, Netherlands. His career spans 25+ years in Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy , focusing on dry powder formulations, biopharmaceutical stabilization, and pulmonary vaccine delivery systems. PhD in Biomedical Technology (University of Twente, 1992) Principal investigator for Top Institute Pharma, Kolff Institute, and ANDDI program projects Co-promotor for 20+ PhD candidates in drug delivery and biopharmaceuticals Research Highlights: Development of thermostable powder vaccines (e.g., hepatitis B powder stable at 60°C), dissolving microneedles for oral vaccines, and single-injection vaccines using biodegradable polymers. His work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals on global health and innovation. Significant Awards: 2020 EJPB Most Cited Paper Award Teaching: Courses in thermodynamics, physical chemistry of colloids, and Pharmaceutical Technology since 1998.
Iris van der Ham is an active Dutch researcher whose scholarship bridges respiratory medicine and biomedical engineering. Over the past five years she has co-authored six peer-reviewed articles that collectively investigate the optimisation of dry-powder inhaler use in COPD patients, the clinical and economic consequences of inhalation errors, and the fundamental behaviour of endothelial cells on micro-structured substrates. Her work is embedded in large international consortia, most notably the multi-country PIFotal study. Research Interests Respiratory medicine, with a focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Dry-powder inhaler (DPI) technology and technique optimisation Peak inspiratory flow assessment and its clinical implications Health-economic evaluation of COPD management Endothelial cell biology and cell–material interactions Across her recent publications, a clear trend emerges: translating technical aspects of inhaler performance—such as peak inspiratory flow and inhalation errors—into measurable impacts on patient health status, exacerbation risk, and healthcare expenditure. Complementing this translational focus, her 2020 study in Heliyon delves into how topographical cues at the microscale direct endothelial-cell phenotype and contact guidance, underscoring her dual expertise in clinical respiratory research and biomedical engineering. Scientific Impact Although specific awards are not listed, the research has garnered significant scholarly attention: her papers have accrued between 13 and 20 Scopus citations each, been downloaded over 100 times per article in Pure repositories, and have been referenced in clinical guidelines and picked up by news outlets and social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Mendeley). Collaborations & Networks Van der Ham collaborates with an extensive international network spanning the Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Poland, Italy, the UK, and beyond. Frequent co-authors include J. W. H. Kocks, S. Bosnic-Anticevich, M. T. Leving, and J. C. de Sousa, among many others, reflecting her embeddedness in multi-disciplinary research initiatives.
