News
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Vascular biologist Judith Sluimer was appointed professor of cardiovascular pathophysiology in October 2020. In her inaugural lecture, she alluded both to the importance of oxygen in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels as well as to the ‘fresh air’ she believes academia is always in need of. Biology may be her great love; however, Judith also jumps in wholeheartedly when it comes to greater equality in ‘the system’ and the related support she gives to the bachelor, master’s and PhD students she supervises. “Freedom is a very important component of being happy in my job.I want others to be able to experience that as well.”
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Caroline Bouvier wanted to be an illustrator, but ended up in chemistry. She managed to combine both of her passions in her research - creating molecular fingerprints of some of the world’s most valued paintings, including old master art from 15th to 17th centuries. As of October, Caroline is one of UM's newest researchers, working as a postdoctoral fellow in Sebastiaan van Nuffel’s group in the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i). Using mass spectrometry and collaborating with leading art institutions such as the The Courtauld Institute of Art and the Rijksmuseum, through her project SCIMITAR she aims to unlock the mysteries of paint compositions in centuries-old masterpieces, shedding light on their creation and preservation.
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For 40 years already, Annemie Mordant has been convinced that academic and support staff are stronger together. Until her retirement, as the head of MEMIC (the centre for research data management), she dedicated herself to optimally facilitating collaboration between academic and support staff. “We can all learn from and support one another in conducting research, each from our own perspective.” In those 40 years, Mordant has seen a lot change in the area of research support—from digitisation to stricter legislation and to open science. Now that Mordant is retiring, how does she reflect back on the past 40 years of research data management?
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Maastricht University alum and orthopaedic surgeon Yuhan Tan studied medicine while competing in badminton at the highest level. Juggling student life and competitive sport was challenging, but doable. He received support from the university in the form of acquired skills, accessible lecturers and an educational vision that prioritises independence.
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The bachelor’s programme in Medicine at Maastricht University is undergoing a major overhaul. Not only will its curriculum be brought into line with the latest societal and medical developments, but its teaching method will also change. The students who started the English track of the Bachelor of Medicine last year were the first to be introduced to the new system. The Dutch-language programme will follow later, explains programme coordinator Sylvia Heeneman.
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Marlies Gijs is doing pioneering work in the booming field of tear-fluid research. The analysis of tear fluid is a promising alternative to more invasive examination methods, which can be both painful and risky. And it is proving its worth in neurological research, with the tears of Alzheimer’s patients playing a leading role. “Tears are all warm and fuzzy. They’re in songs, poetry, films. And as it turns out, they’re useful in biochemical analysis, including Alzheimer’s research.”
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Elderly individuals who live alone are particularly vulnerable to prolonged feelings of loneliness. That is why the researchers of the euPrevent PROFILE project addressed loneliness in older people.
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Roger Rennenberg is not aiming for a spectacular new treatment that makes the headlines. However, ambition is not lacking because by focusing on improving the quality and safety of healthcare, he wants to save more lives with less money. With his inaugural speech titled "Healthcare of the highest quality and safety, at what cost?" on May 12th, internist and vascular physician Roger Rennenberg assumed the chair of "promotion of quality and safety in healthcare."
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Melissa Schepers' doctoral research at Maastricht University and Hasselt University offers hope for the development of a new medication that can halt or restore the limitations of multiple sclerosis (MS).
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Having an impact in people's lives and on society as a whole. Being able to make a real difference. That is what Prof Klara Mosterd wants to achieve with her research into skin cancer and the clinical treatment of patients. On 17 March 2023, she will deliver her inaugural address titled ever so intriguingly: “Het mes kan van tafel”.