Currently, I also serve as the chair of the graduate school council at the LUMC, chair of the scientific advisory board of foundation MS-Research, and as a member of several scientific councils/boards.

Despite significant advancements in the treatment of many of these diseases in recent times, most autoimmune diseases can still not be cured or prevented. Patients often suffer greatly from their chronic illness, significantly impacting the way they can lead their lives. We focus on understanding how and why the immune system derails and starts attacking the body’s own tissues causing the development of autoimmune diseases. We also strive to develop methods that address the auto-reactive immune response with the aim to restore the immune system to a healthy balance. The goal of our research is to comprehend the origins and evolution of the autoimmune response underlying rheumatic autoimmune conditions. By identifying the causes of disease, the research intends to contribute to earlier and better treatment of autoimmune diseases, with the ultimate aim of curing or preventing them in the future.