Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
As Chair of the Department of Human Biology at Maastricht University, I lead with a deep commitment to transformative education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and system-level change. With over two decades of experience spanning molecular biology, higher education leadership, curriculum innovation, and institutional governance, I aim to create academic environments where both excellence and equity can thrive. My academic journey bridges biomedical research and health professions education. After completing a PhD in Medical Genetics at Utrecht University and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, I transitioned into educational leadership, obtaining an MHPE from Maastricht University. Since then, I have held roles ranging from educational coordinator and program director to faculty council chair and strategic advisor in governance and policy. I see education not as transmission, but as co-creation. My work focuses on fostering reflective practice, systemic thinking, and cultural change within universities. I believe that true innovation emerges when people feel seen, safe, and intellectually challenged. Through leadership programs, curriculum reform, and faculty development, I strive to bridge institutional ambition with human potential. As a certified supervisor and experienced advisor in complex academic structures, I am passionate about dialogue, integrity, and the invisible dynamics that shape organisational life. Whether in curriculum design or strategic leadership, my goal remains constant: to open space for shared meaning, sustainable transformation, and a future-ready academy.
I’m proud to announce that as of June 1, 2025, I’ve taken on the role of Chair of the A-KO Fund at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. The fund supports and encourages students and staff within the Physician-Clinical Investigator (A-KO) master programme, promoting optimal integration of scientific research and clinical practice into their careers. The essence of this unique programme lies in the synergy between scientific curiosity and clinical expertise. I’m looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and students to further enhance the importance of translational research and innovative medical education! https://www.ufl.nl/projecten/a-ko-fonds/ https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/nl/onderwijs/master/programmas/arts-klinisch-onderzoeker
A study advisor helps students with questions about study skills, poor study results, personal circumstances, psychological or physical complaints, (test) facilities, choices within the study, combining two studies or combining the study with top sport.
The Physician-Clinical Investigator master programme offers the opportunity to combine a medical degree (MD) with a clinical investigator degree (MSc). This four-year research master focuses on translational medicine: bridging the gap between research and care delivery by translating questions from patient care into research, and applying research results to care. The physician degree is equivalent to the Dutch master's degree in medicine, which allows you to apply for entry to any medical specialist program (primary care, pediatrics, surgery, etc.). The combined degree also offers excellent prospects for a fast track towards a Ph.D. This is a four-year program taught in Dutch.
Thanks to its unique practical way of training, Hogeschool NCOI has now become the largest trainer for working people in the Netherlands. The NCOI University of Applied Sciences has the most extensive choice of recognised HBO programmes. In addition, in recent years, NCOI has grown into the largest Master Trainer for workers in the Netherlands with an extensive package of officially accredited Master programmes and short programmes at Master level.
LOVUM (Vereniging landelijk overleg Universitaire Medezeggenschap) The national consultation takes place three times a year. Chairmen, representatives and clerks (official secretaries) of university councils or works councils and student councils of all Dutch universities then meet with the primary aim of exchanging information on subjects that currently dominate the agendas in the country. If desired, the national consultation can also serve as a platform for university employee participation in the Netherlands. Based on the decisions of the individual councils, this platform can come out with joint positions and ventilate these to the press, the association of cooperating Dutch universities (VSNU), the minister of Higher Education or political parties.
EDLAB is Maastricht University’s institute for education innovation. We work together with all faculties and service centers on e.g. improving the quality of education, enhancing employability, training staff and exploring innovative in-class teaching concepts. I'm looking forward to be part of the education innovation at Maastricht University.