Recently, several prestigious prizes and grants have been awarded to our AI&I members. Learn more about these accomplished individuals and their projects in the article below!
NWO and NEMI EMPower Funding – Dr. Nicole van der Wel
Dr. Nicole van der Wel, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, and head of the Electron Microscopy Centre Amsterdam, will play a leading role in the newly awarded EMPower project, one of the largest investments in research infrastructure in the Dutch life sciences to date.
A €33 million boost for electron microscopy
The EMPower initiative, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), represents a €33 million investment in the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI). This major national facility brings together a consortium of Dutch universities and medical centers, providing world-class instruments and expertise so scientists can visualize how molecules function within cells and tissues. EMPower aims to pave the way for major discoveries in health, disease, and sustainability research.
Amsterdam UMC: Leading education, data, and community
EMPower unites leading microscopy experts from across the country, with project coordination by Utrecht University and key roles for Leiden University, University of Groningen, Maastricht University, UMC Utrecht, and Amsterdam UMC. Amsterdam UMC will lead efforts in data management, artificial intelligence, education, and community building. Dr. van der Wel, chair of the AI&I Educational Programs, Courses & Talent Development Committee, will coordinate the nationwide educational program and community-building activities. This includes organizing scientific meetings, user trainings, and community events, as well as investing €1.2 million in education to ensure the most effective use of the EMPower infrastructure. Dr Katy Wolstencroft, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam UMC and co-director of the Advanced Compute and Data Core (ACDC), will lead the development of the EMPower FAIR data and analysis infrastructure.
the researchers of the future and contribute to a well-educated workforce, which will strengthen the scientific, technological and innovation landscape of the Netherlands.'
FOREUM interdisciplinary rheumatology-pulmonology grant - Prof. Conny van der Laken, Prof. Alexandre Voskuijl and Dr. Jan-Willem Duitman
Prof. Conny van der Laken, board member of the Immunology Program of the Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&I), together with Prof. Alexandre Voskuijl and Dr. Jan-Willem Duitman, also members of AI&I, have been awarded a €50,000 FOREUM Interdisciplinary Rheumatology–Pulmonology Grant from the Foundation for Research in Rheumatology (FOREUM). This grant supports innovative interdisciplinary research bridging rheumatology and pulmonology to improve understanding and treatment of fibrosis in chronic systemic autoimmune diseases.
The Project: FAP as Biomarker for Early Fibrogenesis and its Relation with Chronic Inflammation in Systemic Sclerosis–Interstitial Lung Disease
The project aims to explore the potential of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a biomarker for early fibrogenesis, and to examine how fibrotic processes are linked to chronic inflammation in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).
By combining rheumatology and pulmonology expertise, the research team aims to advance understanding of FAP as a biomarker for chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis in interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis. Using Ga-68-FAPi PET/CT scans, the team seeks to identify early molecular indicators of fibrotic lung damage, improve patient stratification, and develop personalized therapeutic approaches.
About the FOREUM Interdisciplinary Grant
The Foundation for Research in Rheumatology (FOREUM) funds high-quality research projects that foster innovation and collaboration across disciplines relevant to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The interdisciplinary grant program encourages researchers to integrate perspectives from different medical specialties to better understand complex disease mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.
Discover more about Prof. van der Laken’s research and her appointment as professor:
Royal Honour – Prof. Dr. Mike Nurmohamed
At his farewell lecture at Amsterdam UMC and Reade, the center of expertise for rehabilitation and rheumatology, Prof. Dr. Mike Nurmohamed was awarded the royal honour Ridder in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw by mayor Mark Verheijen. This honor recognizes his exceptional contributions to the field of rheumatology and to the scientific community.
A pioneer in rheumatology and patient care
With nearly forty years of experience, Prof. Nurmohamed has had a profound impact on the treatment and care of people with rheumatic diseases. He played a key role in modernizing care, including the establishment of a pharmacy and a “biopoli” at Reade, making expensive biological therapies more accessible to patients. For many years, he also served as head of the rheumatology research department.
Academic leadership and international recognition
Since 2015, Prof. Nurmohamed has been Professor of Rheumatology at Amsterdam UMC. Over his distinguished career, he has authored more than 450 scientific publications and has been an invited speaker at numerous international conferences.
Among his achievements, Prof. Nurmohamed is especially proud of the CARRE Investigation, one of the first studies to show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a cardiovascular disease risk comparable to those with diabetes. This research shifted the perception of rheumatoid arthritis from a joint-specific disease to a systemic condition with significant cardiovascular implications, laying the groundwork for future research and guidelines in cardiovascular rheumatology.
As a pioneer in cardiovascular rheumatology, he has played a leading role in the development of EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) cardiovascular guidelines for many years. He is widely recognized, both in the Netherlands and abroad, as a leading scientist, professor, and rheumatologist.
Lasting impact
Prof. Nurmohamed’s innovative approach has led to improved treatment methods and a higher quality of life for many patients. He integrated cardiovascular risk management into routine rheumatology care, systematically identifying and treating risk factors alongside optimal inflammation control. This has improved long-term outcomes beyond joint disease alone.
Furthermore, his implementation of structured biologic care pathways at Reade, including a dedicated biologics outpatient clinic, enhanced access to advanced therapies and contributed to better disease control and patient quality of life.
His dedication to research and patient care has left an indelible mark on the field. His work has helped to change clinical practice by placing long-term cardiovascular health firmly on the agenda of rheumatology care.
Teacher Award – Dr. Gijs Kooij
Dr. Gijs Kooij received a Teacher Award for his outstanding dedication and engagement as the most committed teacher for first-year medical students at Amsterdam UMC.
Connecting education and research
Dr. Gijs Kooij actively integrates his own research and recent scientific developments into his teaching. For years, he has incorporated his expertise in neuroimmunology and the role of fats/lipids into the courses he coordinates for biomedical sciences students. Last year, he coordinated the “Brain and Senses” course for first-year medical students for the first time. Although this course is primarily focused on anatomical and functional knowledge of the brain, he was still able to include aspects of his lipid research, given the brain’s composition of lipids.
Collaboration within AI&I
When inviting guest speakers for his courses, Dr. Kooij draws on his network of AI&I-affiliated researchers, whose work he knows well through ongoing collaborations and frequent scientific meetings. In turn, he is often invited to contribute to courses coordinated by other AI&I members.
Proud of student appreciation
Dr. Kooij is especially proud to receive the Teacher Award in his first year coordinating the medical course, particularly because the students themselves organized the voting and the ceremony. ‘It’s a form of appreciation you don’t usually receive as a teacher, but fortunately, recognition for good teaching is increasing.’
The fact that this is an award organized and presented by students underscores that the teaching I provide is engaging and that my efforts are truly appreciated.
Dr. Gijs Kooij
Associate Professor at Amsterdam UMC
AI&I Travel Grant and Best Poster Award – Stef Elings
Stef Elings, PhD candidate in Pathology and member of the Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AI&I), was awarded the AI&I travel grant in 2025, which enabled him to attend the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 conference in Berlin, Germany. At the conference, Stef’s poster was recognized with the Best Poster Award in the Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) category.
Advancing research in Small Cell Lung Cancer
During his poster presentation, Stef showcased his study on Small Cell Lung Cancer, focusing on the prognostic and predictive value of CD8 intratumoral densities in relation to transcriptional subtypes and spatial transcriptomics. His research provides new insights into the tumor microenvironment and may help guide more personalized treatment strategies for SCLC patients.
Being awarded best poster in SCLC is the perfect highlight of an already excellent conference, demonstrating the value and need for meaningful translational research in pathology.
Stef Elings
PhD-candidate at Pathology