News
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Daisy Jonkers, scientific director of the NUTRIM research institute and professor of Intestinal Health, is calling for more inclusivity and diversity in scientific research. Why is this important, and how can we make research more diverse? “It’s no longer just about the number of publications or grants awarded.”
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After over 23 years of ‘Prof. Nanne de Vries at UM’, our university community gathered at the beginning of November for his farewell lecture. During the lecture, what we already knew was confirmed yet again: with De Vries’ departure, we are saying farewell to an exceptionally intelligent, considerate and empathetic colleague. He combined these character traits with a great enthusiasm for his work and an engagement in the pursuits of those around him.
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For Klasien Horstman, professor of Philosophy of Public Health, science is the “realm of freedom.” Unfortunately, reality is more intractable. She is irritated by the patronising lifestyle interventions imposed top-down on groups that have been epidemiologically classified as high risk. “The ‘you have to live healthily’ discourse doesn’t sit well with me.”
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Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent because of climate change. Not only does that cause a lot of forced migration, it also puts millions of refugees at risk. UNU-MERIT senior research fellow Sonja Fransen combines two major societal issues.
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Inspired by his childhood dream of becoming a professional cyclist, UM alum Dajo Sanders decided to study Human Movement Sciences. His other dream did come true: he ended up working in pro cycling. He is now a trainer/coach for one of the world’s best teams, INEOS Grenadiers. “The magic of cycling lies in the unexpected.”
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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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Be it phishing emails or helpdesk employees who ask you to transfer money— digital crime is on the rise and is becoming even slicker. Artificial intelligence can play both a negative and positive role in this. On the one hand, new forms of cybercrime are emerging from AI; on the other hand, AI is helping to trace criminals. We spoke to Prof. Frank Thuijsman and Prof. Anna Wilbik, both professors of data science, and Bart Seuren, coordinator of the Limburg Police Department’s cybercrime team. Thuijsman and Wilbik joined hands with the National Police Force to develop new tracing methods. What are the challenges faced in tracing digital crime? What opportunities do new (AI) technologies offer?
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A new tinnitus treatment using Deep Brain Stimulation is being trialled at MUMC+ with promising results. PhD student Jana Devos and Assistant Professor Mark Janssen on the mysterious disease, brain implants and startled rats.
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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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Job van den Hurk is a neuroscientist and scientific director at ultra-high field MRI center Scannexus at the Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus. However, he is best known as the host of the TV show Brainstorm on ZAPP. “Critical thinking should be a subject taught in elementary school.”