Gut microbes and metabolism
Prof. Herrema’s research focuses on the interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolism, and how intestinal bacteria influence metabolic organs, systemic inflammation, and overall cardiometabolic health. Her work investigates how alterations in the gut microbiome contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other metabolic disorders, and how these processes can be modulated through diet, lifestyle, and targeted interventions. By understanding the role of gut microbes in metabolic health and disease, Prof. Herrema aims to develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases and help reduce their growing global burden.
From bench to bedside
At Amsterdam UMC and within Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Prof. Herrema works closely with clinicians and scientists from internal medicine, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. Together, they explore how microbiome-based markers and future therapies can be integrated into personalized risk assessment, prevention strategies, and clinical care.
The future
The future of microbiome research lies in translating fundamental insights into clinical practice and disease prevention. "By linking microbiome profiles to metabolism, disease development, and treatment response, we can better understand how the microbiome contributes to health and disease," says Herrema. "As scientists, we have a responsibility to uncover the true importance and causal role of the microbiome in disease, moving beyond associations towards mechanisms that can inform meaningful interventions."
Words of advice
"Do what you genuinely enjoy and stay curious. Science is driven by the motivation to understand how things work, so nurture that curiosity and never stop asking questions," says Herrema when asked for her advice for young researchers. "The academic climate is challenging, and it is likely to remain so for some time. This makes it even more important to find a research topic that truly motivates you and to work with people who inspire and support you." She also emphasizes the importance of staying open-minded, persistent, and passionate about discovery. "There will be setbacks, but the opportunity to uncover something that nobody knew before is what makes science so rewarding."
About Herrema
After completing her PhD at the University Medical Center Groningen and a postdoc period at Harvard Medical School, Herrema joined the group of Prof. Nieuwdorp at Amsterdam UMC. She has developed into a group leader, using a translational and multidisciplinary approach to study cardiometabolic disease development, with a particular focus on gut bacteriophages (viruses of bacteria) and their role in gut microbiome function and human health. She is currently department head of the lab for experimental vascular medicine and active as a member of the research institutes ACS and AGEM, where she is a directorate member and research board member, respectively.
Titel
Practical information
The inaugural lecture by Prof. Hilde Herrema will take place on 18 September from 16:30 hrs at the ‘Oude Lutherse Kerk’, Singel 411. The lecture can be attended in person or watched via livestream.