As of 1 October 2024, Casper Schalkwijk and Joost Lumens have been appointed as Division Leaders Vessels and Heart. Judith Sluimer will success Hugo ten Cate as Division Leader Blood in March 2025.

Casper Schalkwijk:
Research in the Division Vessels focusses on translational research of micro- and macrovascular dysfunction in the context of specific cardiovascular diseases including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, aortic aneurysm and venous disease. We have extensive experience in experimental work in several domains of vascular biology and vascular function, including functional measurements, and tissue repair. We have recently set-up new imaging and model-based methods as well as immunotyping with cytometry. Together with our epidemiological expertise and the availability of large cohorts with an extensive phenotyping and  databases covering clinical data/imaging/genetics and the availability of  patient-own iPSCderived cells, my aim for the coming years is to bring our research to a next level by combining the above mentioned expertise and to strengthen our translational research in order to decrease the vascular health burden associated with the ageing society with high-level academic health care.

Joost Lumens:
The Division Heart integrates two programmes, 'Structural Heart Failure' and 'Complex Arrhythmias', with a common focus on the electromechanics of cardiac diseases. The division members explore the mechanisms of and bidirectional links between arrhythmias and heart failure, advancing understanding of arrhythmogenesis and cardiomyopathy. By blending clinical, experimental, and computational approaches with cutting-edge genetics and advanced imaging, the division innovates diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. As the upcoming Division Leader, I aim to foster translational collaborations and create a platform for young researchers through division-specific and cross-division research meetings. My vision is to more extensively integrate and intertwine the subthemes of structural heart failure and complex arrhythmias, fostering deeper collaboration and unified research efforts to improve patient outcomes.