Doctoral school

Around 70 PhD candidates found their way to the SAD, at location VUmc 7 March last. It was a very pleasant day with interesting lectures and interactive workshops. And, not unimportant, many prizes were awarded.

Our well-known Prof. Yvo Roos, UvA dean, opened the event and showed interesting figures on amounts of Amsterdam UMC publications and our position worldwide, encouraging PhD candidates, being our future scientists, to expose their research. The presentations of the keynote speakers were very interesting: Prof. Wouter Hehenkamp made clear the necessity and possibilities to make (specifically) healthcare more sustainable. Prof. Meike Bartels studied twins, separated and not-seperated from birth, explained that the feeling of happiness is different for everyone and did research about the factors and predictability of happiness. Considering the participation in the interactive workshops, the topics matched the interests of the PhD candidates: Sustainability (by Eva Cohen and Aram de Haas), Career opportunities after the PhD (by Simone Cremers), Innovation in science and industry insights (by prof. Arjan Griffioen), Keep the energy flowing (by Guido Heunen). During lunch, researchers across disciplines, had inspiring and thought-provoking discussions, based on the about thirty displayed posters.

Throughout the day prizes were awarded for the best Publications of 2024, the best Thesis of 2024, the best Thesis Designs of 2024, and the best Posters of 2025. Finally, the winners of the Young Talent Fund (travel) grants and the Scholarship winners of 2025 were put in the spotlight. Singer-songwriter Sjoerd (Sured) provided a musical intermezzo. And of course, we ended this very sunny Friday with some drinks and bitterballen!

See below pictures and names of those who won the different awards.

This event not only showcases the talent and dedication of our young researchers but also emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for scientific advancement. We look forward to next year's event and the exciting discoveries of our PhD candidates yet to come!

Many thanks to PhD candidates Eleni, Georgia, Krista and Pascal, for their contribution to the organization and implementation of the SAD!

Below the pictures and names of those who won the different awards.

Scan the QR code to view the SAD 2025 Abstract Booklet

Workshop (morning): sustainability - Eva Cohen and Aram de Haas

Are you a PhD researcher looking to make your research more responsible and sustainable? Join our interactive mini workshop, where we take a practical approach to integrating sustainability into research.We’ll introduce key concepts from sustainability in our research and explore practical ways to reduce impact in (bio)medical research. Using the R-ladder, we’ll identify sustainability challenges and opportunities, from reducing unnecessary travel to optimizing clinical trials.

Through group discussions and hands-on exercises, you’ll:

• Assess the impact of your own research
• Identify realistic interventions to improve sustainability
• Share insights and solutions with peers

Let’s rethink research and take small but impactful steps toward a more sustainable future!

Workshop (morning and afternoon): Unlock your future – Career opportunities after your PhD - Simone Cremers

Did you ever consider life beyond your PhD or postdoc in terms of career perspective? If not, do you know that about 70% of all PhD’s and 80% of all postdocs explore career possibilities outside of academia? But where do you start your search? And even if you find organizations or sectors that offer research positions, how can you tell if you fit in or meet the criteria? And if you do meet the criteria, how do you get in touch with these organizations or sectors? To answer these questions AcademicTransfer developed different tools for young researchers who want or need to explore their next career step. During this workshop we will show you how AcademicTransfer’s toolbox can support you on your career journey in research in the Netherlands. All tools can be found here.

Workshop (morning and afternoon): Innovation in science and industry insights - Arjan Griffioen

Today's workshop will communicate the development of an innovative strategy for the treatment of cancer. This strategy involves a vaccine-based approach that addresses the major challenges in cancer research, such as drug resistance, cancer metastasis and cancer prevention. It promises to be a solution for a wide range of tumor types. Next to presenting this new approach, the workshop will also address the opportunities for valorization of the research ideas towards a successful biotech spin-off company.

Workshop (afternoon): How to keep your energy flowing - Guido Heunen

Don’t just survive your PhD… thrive!

You have more influence over your life than you think. A PhD is demanding, but how you handle the pressure is up to you. Personal leadership means taking responsibility for yourself, your resilience, and your well-being.In this interactive workshop, Guido Heunen shares powerful lessons from nature. Through engaging exercises and practical tools, you’ll learn how to take charge of your energy, focus, and overall well-being.

You will learn:🌿 What nature can teach you about acceptance, resilience, and recovery🌿 How to make choices that support both your performance and well-being🌿 Simple, effective strategies to integrate into your daily life.

The workshop takes place indoors, but the lessons from nature stay with you everywhere you go.

Ready to take control?

The organizing team for the SAD2025 consisted of PhD candidates Pascal Kroon, Eleni Tzortzopoulou, Georgia Malliou and Krista van Rest