Infection
Vision & mission
The potential impact of infectious diseases on individuals, societies, and our planet needs no further introduction. Preparedness, prevention, and medical interventions depend on our detailed understanding of the biology and evolution of pathogens, their interactions with the host and its immune system, and the diseases they can cause. Theme Infection aims to deliver knowledge-driven prevention strategies and cures, for the infectious diseases of today and tomorrow.
…The potential impact of infectious diseases on individuals, societies, and our planet needs no further introduction. Preparedness, prevention, and medical interventions depend on our detailed understanding of the biology and evolution of pathogens, their interactions with the host and its immune system, and the diseases they can cause. Theme Infection aims to deliver knowledge-driven prevention strategies and cures, for the infectious diseases of today and tomorrow.
Translating knowledge into solutions
LUMC Theme Infection supports, inspires, and unites researchers working in the field of infection in LUMC and beyond. Our Theme is built on a strong community of biomedical scientists and clinicians, who dissect host-pathogen interactions to develop out-of-the-box prevention strategies and cures for the most pressing infectious disease challenges.
Our vision
LUMC Theme Infection aims to be an inspirational leader in the development of knowledge-driven strategies to combat infectious diseases through the development of novel diagnostics, epidemiological models, vaccines, drugs, and immune modulators.
The impact of infections
Given the steady influx of emerging infectious agents, increasing drug resistance, and the reduced efficacy of some new key vaccines in low- and middle-income countries, strong and effective research and preparedness programs are needed to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the threatening power and speed of globally emerging infectious agents, underlining the importance of effective preparedness and vaccination programs.
About us
Hermelijn Smits
Hermelijn Smits is professor of host-commensal interactions and an expert on immune responses in the lung. She coordinates fundamental and translational research at the Department LUCID to develop novel (bio)therapeutics preventing excessive inflammation (through viral infections) in children and lung patients, and understanding the impact of environment on geographical differences in disease patterns. She has received grants from The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO; Veni, Vidi, Vici) and the Dutch Lung Foundation. She is the coordinator of the Half Minor program at LUMC and past-president of the Netherlands Respiratory Society (NRS).
Click here for profile Hermelijn Smits
Eric Snijder
Eric Snijder is professor of molecular virology at the Department LUCID. He studies the replication, evolution and virus-host interactions of positive-stranded RNA viruses, in particular coronaviruses and their relatives. His research was supported by a series of grants from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the European Union, including several recent projects on antiviral drug development coordinated from LUMC. He has published over 260 scientific papers and book chapters and has (co)supervised over 40 PhD students. He also (co)coordinates MSc/PhD courses in molecular virology and infection & immunity, and is involved in various other teaching activities.
Click here for profile Eric Snijder
Anna Roukens
Anna Roukens is an infectious diseases clinician treating patients with underlying immune deficiencies who are at risk for or suffer from bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections. Besides patient care she is involved in the Travel Clinic, advising on prevention of infections during traveling. As a principal investigator of many clinical vaccine trials, she translates the needs for these at-risk populations into research questions leading to clinical solutions. She investigates alternative administration techniques and dosages in order to improve vaccine immunogenicity and availability. She has received a ZonMW clinical fellowship for her research.
Subthemes
Collaborations
In addition to LUMC departments, Theme Infection has strong connections with other faculties of Leiden University, the Leiden Bioscience Park, and beyond. Like:
- Collaboration with University of Edinburgh – Related to One Health projects
- Collaborations with field sites in Bangladesh, Brazil, Gabon, Indonesia, Uganda, South-Africa and more
- Strong link to centers in low middle income countries
Opportunities
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Contact
Email:Infection@lumc.nl