From particle physics to pathological diagnoses

Sometimes his background in fundamental physics works its way into his current research. For example, Heeren took a detector designed for particle physics research by CERN (the European organisation for fundamental research on elementary particles) and developed it into an instrument for molecular pathologists. “The MediPix detector generates high-resolution molecular images, which can improve patient diagnostics. By adding an extra layer of information, it enables the pathologist to make a more precise diagnosis.”

Making imaging even faster and more accurate

So Heeren is pleased that his group is collaborating with researchers from CERN in the MediPix 4 Consortium, which is working on the next step. Heeren’s dream is to be able to perform molecular analyses accurate to the nanometre, and with the MediPix 4, this dream is coming closer to reality. Nikhef, the Dutch institute for subatomic physics, is involved too, and one of Nikhef’s top scientists, Jo van den Brand (another laureate of the NWO Physics Valorisation Prize) was recently appointed professor at Maastricht. “A technology platform like MediPix enhances not only the university’s knowledge level, but also its technology level. So that’s where the prize money will go: to a PhD candidate in that project. There’s no shortage of ideas; what’s always lacking is enough hands to implement them.”

The higher purpose of scientific research

In the course Entrepreneurial Awareness, which Heeren developed with colleagues from SBE, he consistently emphasises that creating value involves more than patents and spin-offs. “It’s about realising that the knowledge you generate as a researcher has more value than just your publications or dissertation. With the knowledge you acquire here in this ecosystem, we might be able to educate other people too. Or we can use it to help companies or clinicians and patients. The research serves a higher purpose, you’re doing it for a reason.”

Two seconds of silence in the interview

Heeren managed to find, at the last minute, half an hour in his full schedule to talk about the Valorisation Prize. The time is almost up. Asked whether he is ever not working, he falls silent for the first time. A full two seconds, then he says, smiling: “Definitely! I’m a certified volleyball coach. I’ve coached youth teams and women’s teams and, until recently, a team of retired entrepreneurs from Maastricht. The oldest was 90. So much fun!” And yet even there, his work is never far away.

Volleyball taught him an important lesson

To obtain his coaching certificate, Heeren once had to follow a course in Positive Coaching. As a hard scientist, he was initially unenthusiastic. “But it was the best course ever. There was an eye-opening piece of advice that I’ll never forget.” Focusing on what your team is not doing well is frustrating for everyone. As a coach, you’re better off focusing on what they can do well, and trying to make it even better. “I applied that with the women’s team I was coaching at the time, but I still apply it with my students at the university. That way you can turn a failed experiment into a positive learning experience.” He was also work-free recently, when he spent two days in the desert in Jordan, with his wife and without his mobile phone and internet. “My mind sometimes stands still, but not too often”, he concludes, laughing.