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Eureka International Summer Course in Translational Medicine...
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Wednesday, July 8
 

08:15 CEST

Coffee
Wednesday July 8, 2026 08:15 - 08:30 CEST
Wednesday July 8, 2026 08:15 - 08:30 CEST
TBA

08:30 CEST

Morning Primer
Wednesday July 8, 2026 08:30 - 09:00 CEST
A reflection on the previous day's learnings and a grounding in how the current day's sessions are critical to Translational Medicine.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Foty

Richard Foty

Director of Epidemiology & Data Analytics, Respond Health, HealthEdge Innovation
Richard Foty is the Director of Epidemiology & Data Analytics at Respond Health, where he is helping to develop and leverage sophisticated techniques in AI to draw critical intelligence from the largest health dataset in the USA. His work focuses on translating complex data into actionable... Read More →
avatar for Marc van Mil

Marc van Mil

Associate Professor Biomedical Education, UMC Utrecht
Marc van Mil is associate professor biomedical education at University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. He cares about and contributes to the professional development of future clinicians, clinician scientists and biomedical scientists; both by being an excellent teacher and... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 08:30 - 09:00 CEST
TBA

09:00 CEST

Navigating the Regulatory Pathway for Successful Translation to Benefit Patients
Wednesday July 8, 2026 09:00 - 10:00 CEST
Understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial for successful translational research. This session will provide an overview of the importance of regulation in the context of translational medicine, emphasizing the critical points at which researchers should consider regulatory requirements and their impact on the research process. We will explore the basics of clinical trials, key endpoints, special considerations for rare disease trials, and how these regulatory aspects apply to our case study. By integrating regulatory considerations early in the research process, researchers can better navigate the path from bench to bedside, ensuring compliance and facilitating the development of effective therapies.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the fundamental principles of clinical trials, including phases, design, and key endpoints.
  2. Recognize the unique challenges and considerations involved in conducting clinical trials for rare diseases.
  3. Apply regulatory principles to real-world case studies, illustrating the practical implications of regulatory requirements.
Speakers
avatar for Marc van Mil

Marc van Mil

Associate Professor Biomedical Education, UMC Utrecht
Marc van Mil is associate professor biomedical education at University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. He cares about and contributes to the professional development of future clinicians, clinician scientists and biomedical scientists; both by being an excellent teacher and... Read More →
avatar for Vicki Seyfert-Margolis

Vicki Seyfert-Margolis

Respond health
Dr. Seyfert-Margolis founded RespondHealth (previously known as My Own Med, Inc.) to disrupt incumbent methods of clinical trialing, new product trialing and patient registry development – all in service of her aim to deliver better health outcomes to those afflicted with disease... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 09:00 - 10:00 CEST
TBA

10:00 CEST

Break + Coffee
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:00 - 10:15 CEST
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:00 - 10:15 CEST
TBA

10:15 CEST

Animal Models in TM: Dr. Pedro Pepper and the Board of Trustees
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
To discuss when, why, and how to use animal models
Explore design elements to optimize the translation of findings in animal models to humans
Understand the perspectives of stakeholders in the translational medicine itinerary regarding the use applicability of experimental models of human disease
Speakers
avatar for Norm Rosenblum

Norm Rosenblum

Pediatric Nephrologist, Senior Scientist, SickKids, U Toronto
Dr. Norman Rosenblum is Professor of Paediatrics, Physiology, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, a Paediatric Nephrologist and Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, and Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
TBA

10:15 CEST

Parallel Sessions
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
Session 1: Building an International Career in Translational Medicine
 
  • Anna Hudson
  • Thorsten Saenger
  • Sara Breggion
  • Stevan Stojanovic
  • Lies Hoogerwerf
  • Francesco Attanasio
  • Ugne Imbrasaite
  • Giedrė Skliutė
  • Ruby Taylor
  • Mike van Spaandonk
  • Kyra Schindler
 
 

 
Session 2: The First 55 Minutes – Translational Problem Solving
 
  • Patricia Pinho
  • Henrike Sofie Schulze
  • Elizabeth Kahn
  • Alice Sweedo
  • Daria Tkachenko
  • Stephanie Van Dalen
  • Kayla Schwartz
  • Yike Jiang
  • Kaitlin Lees
  • Alejandra Bodelon de Frutos
  • Lauren Bystrom
  • Anglin Dent
 
 

 
Session 3: How to Build a Bridge Within Your Own Organization – Networking
 
  • Garrett Crosby
  • Piotr Struczyński
  • Helena Linge
  • Paolo Riccardo Camisa
  • Matthew Flowers
  • Marcin Stańczak
  • Kayleigh Berthiaume Fox
  • Jade Cognard
  • Cato Boreel
  • Corlinda Kievit
  • Sarah Dijkstra
 
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
TBA

10:15 CEST

The First 55 Minutes: Translational Problem Solving
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
Description: 
There is no linear order of steps to follow to successfully translate knowledge and improve health. Rather, Translational Medicine is a series of knowledge domains and skills that are used interdependently to solve problems. In this session, we will describe this problem-solving approach and challenge your view on health and patient needs. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. Define Health,
  2. Examine the nature of unmet patient needs,
  3. Present frameworks useful in approaching translational problems.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Foty

Richard Foty

Director of Epidemiology & Data Analytics, Respond Health, HealthEdge Innovation
Richard Foty is the Director of Epidemiology & Data Analytics at Respond Health, where he is helping to develop and leverage sophisticated techniques in AI to draw critical intelligence from the largest health dataset in the USA. His work focuses on translating complex data into actionable... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
TBA

10:15 CEST

Women in Science
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
Introduction
Having greater diversity in a research team is shown to strongly benefit the quality of their scientific output (Asmal et al., 2022). Among others, teams with greater diversity tend to be more creative, innovative and efficient in their scientific approach. Additionally, having a diverse research team might increase the inclination of study participants from diverse backgrounds to participate in clinical studies.
 
HIstorically, the scientific community has been dominated by white men and representation of women and under-represented minorities based on e.g. gender and ethnicity is low, especially within the field of Science, Technology, Engeneering and Mathematics (STEM) (Figueiredo, 2023, Asmal et al., 2022). Studies show that the gender gap increases across career stages, with the women-to-men ratio progressively declining when moving up the academic ladder (Llorens et al., 2021). Underlying factors of this effect are, among others, the presence of a deep-rooted (unconscious) gender bias as well as the lack of positive role models for women in academia. 
 
 
 
Goal of the session:
In this session, we aim to provide a brave space to discuss gender-bias in academia. Participants are invited to share their experiences with gender bias and gender-related challenges they face in their career. Faculty members will provide a brief overview of their careers and share insights into the challenges they faced and how they dealt with these.
 
 
Preparation:
No formal preparation required.
 
Pre-session thought questions for participants:
  • Have you ever experiences gender bias in your career? If so, how did this affect you (both professionally and personally). How did you act upon this?
  • What (potential) challenges do you face/expect moving forward in academia?
  • What could others do to help you with this? What can you do to help others facing similar problems?
 
Participants interested in the topic are suggested to read the following paper:
Llorens A., et al (2021). Gender bias in academia: A lifetime problem that needs solutions. Neuron, 109(13): 2047-2074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.06.002
Speakers
avatar for Janine Geerling

Janine Geerling

Assistant Professor, UMC Utrecht
As a biomedical scientist specialized in higher education teaching, I dedicate myself to designing and providing educational activities that stimulate the development of student's research skills. More specifically, I focus on training students to design their research in an inclusive... Read More →
avatar for Hester den Ruijter

Hester den Ruijter

Professor of Cardiovascular disease in women, Univ. Med. Ctr., Utrecht
I am a professor at the Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology in the University Medical Center Utrecht. My research focusses on sex differences in cardiovascular diseases. I have been trained in fundamental research as well as in clinical epidemiology. Currently, I coordinate both... Read More →
avatar for Femke van Wijk

Femke van Wijk

Professor Immunology and Manager Research Pediatrics, UMC Utrecht
Femke van Wijk is a Professor in Tissue Immunology at the Center for Translational Immunology at the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) in the Netherlands. Dr. van Wijk obtained her PhD on mechanisms of oral tolerance and allergic sensitization to peanut at the Utrecht University... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:15 - 11:15 CEST
TBA

11:15 CEST

Feedback on Parallel Sessions
Wednesday July 8, 2026 11:15 - 11:45 CEST
Description:
This session brings the full group back together to share key insights from each of the parallel sessions. Representatives from each smaller group will summarize the main topics discussed, highlight key takeaways, and reflect on what was learned. The goal is to ensure collective learning and spark broader conversation by surfacing diverse perspectives from across the sessions.
Speakers
avatar for Marc van Mil

Marc van Mil

Associate Professor Biomedical Education, UMC Utrecht
Marc van Mil is associate professor biomedical education at University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. He cares about and contributes to the professional development of future clinicians, clinician scientists and biomedical scientists; both by being an excellent teacher and... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 11:15 - 11:45 CEST
TBA

11:45 CEST

Lunch
Wednesday July 8, 2026 11:45 - 12:45 CEST
Wednesday July 8, 2026 11:45 - 12:45 CEST
TBA

12:45 CEST

Personal Journey
Wednesday July 8, 2026 12:45 - 13:00 CEST
In these 15-minute sessions, scientists and clinicians who previously attended a Eureka course share their personal experiences and the impact the course had on their careers. Each speaker will provide insights into how the knowledge and skills they gained have been applied in their professional journeys. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to get to know the speakers better and to hear practical examples of how the concepts and strategies learned in the course can be effectively implemented to advance your own career.
Speakers
avatar for Hester den Ruijter

Hester den Ruijter

Professor of Cardiovascular disease in women, Univ. Med. Ctr., Utrecht
I am a professor at the Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology in the University Medical Center Utrecht. My research focusses on sex differences in cardiovascular diseases. I have been trained in fundamental research as well as in clinical epidemiology. Currently, I coordinate both... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 12:45 - 13:00 CEST
TBA

13:00 CEST

Professional Development 2
Wednesday July 8, 2026 13:00 - 14:00 CEST
Professional Development 2: When is Conflict Good? How Do You “Fly Together”?
Most of the time we work on teams in a harmonious manner. But sometimes conflict happens. Here, we discuss when conflict is actually good and how to manage conflict to move to the next level of interaction, to strengthen collaboration, the relationship and innovation. Build on you own approach to resolving conflict and learn collaboration frameworks used by mediators internationally. Incorporate these to create effective translational medicine teams.

Objectives: Forum Theatre Techniques are used for participants to gain insights to empower change in your organization and communities. Mediation Frameworks  for international conflict management and collaborative innovation are applied to translational medicine to achieve the following:
1. Explore different approaches for handling conflict situations 
2. Reflect on your communication strengths. Consider the strengths you bring to scientific teams in resolving conflict and creating collaborative solutions for change.
3. Experience how to go through true conflict safely and collaboratively through the Mediation Circle: Inventing Options Framework

Speakers
avatar for Anita Small

Anita Small

Owner/Founder, Small LANGUAGE CONNECTIONS
Dr. Anita Small is a sociolinguist, educator, mediator and researcher - inspired to bridge different worlds through communication, arts, language and culture. Founder/owner of small LANGUAGE CONNECTIONS, working with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, museums, theatres... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 13:00 - 14:00 CEST
TBA

14:00 CEST

Break
Wednesday July 8, 2026 14:00 - 14:15 CEST
Wednesday July 8, 2026 14:00 - 14:15 CEST
TBA

14:15 CEST

The Power of Diverse Perspectives (Part 1)
Wednesday July 8, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 CEST
Description:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Historically, women have been under-represented in cardiovascular research studies, leading to gaps in understanding how heart disease affects women differently than men. Specific research in women has uncovered heart diseases that are more chronic and unique risk factors for heart disease, such as hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., preeclampsia), and autoimmune diseases that are more prevalent in women. This talk will give isight into how perspectives from women in research and cardiology are now changing clinical practice. 
Speakers
avatar for Janine Geerling

Janine Geerling

Assistant Professor, UMC Utrecht
As a biomedical scientist specialized in higher education teaching, I dedicate myself to designing and providing educational activities that stimulate the development of student's research skills. More specifically, I focus on training students to design their research in an inclusive... Read More →
avatar for Roos de Jonge

Roos de Jonge

Assistant professor community engaged learning, UMC Utrecht
Roos de Jonge studied Medical Biology at the University of Amsterdam and obtained her PhD in the AMC at the Department of Neurosience with the topic: "Genetic profiling of the peripheral nervous system". Due to an extensive role as a caregiver for her daughter with a congenital heart... Read More →
avatar for Norm Rosenblum

Norm Rosenblum

Pediatric Nephrologist, Senior Scientist, SickKids, U Toronto
Dr. Norman Rosenblum is Professor of Paediatrics, Physiology, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, a Paediatric Nephrologist and Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, and Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research... Read More →
avatar for Casper Schoemaker

Casper Schoemaker

Advisor patient involvement in research and double talent, UMC Utrecht
Casper Schoemaker, PhD is an advisor on patient involvement in research at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital of the UMC Utrecht and INVOLV.He was trained as a researcher and he used to be a senior researcher and project leader at the National Institute for Public Health and the... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 CEST
TBA

15:15 CEST

Break + Coffee
Wednesday July 8, 2026 15:15 - 15:30 CEST
Wednesday July 8, 2026 15:15 - 15:30 CEST
TBA

15:30 CEST

The Power of Diverse Perspectives (Part 2)
Wednesday July 8, 2026 15:30 - 16:30 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Roos de Jonge

Roos de Jonge

Assistant professor community engaged learning, UMC Utrecht
Roos de Jonge studied Medical Biology at the University of Amsterdam and obtained her PhD in the AMC at the Department of Neurosience with the topic: "Genetic profiling of the peripheral nervous system". Due to an extensive role as a caregiver for her daughter with a congenital heart... Read More →
avatar for Casper Schoemaker

Casper Schoemaker

Advisor patient involvement in research and double talent, UMC Utrecht
Casper Schoemaker, PhD is an advisor on patient involvement in research at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital of the UMC Utrecht and INVOLV.He was trained as a researcher and he used to be a senior researcher and project leader at the National Institute for Public Health and the... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 15:30 - 16:30 CEST
TBA

16:30 CEST

Evaluation Survey Day 4
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:30 - 16:45 CEST
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:30 - 16:45 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 1
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Roos de Jonge

Roos de Jonge

Assistant professor community engaged learning, UMC Utrecht
Roos de Jonge studied Medical Biology at the University of Amsterdam and obtained her PhD in the AMC at the Department of Neurosience with the topic: "Genetic profiling of the peripheral nervous system". Due to an extensive role as a caregiver for her daughter with a congenital heart... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 2
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Norm Rosenblum

Norm Rosenblum

Pediatric Nephrologist, Senior Scientist, SickKids, U Toronto
Dr. Norman Rosenblum is Professor of Paediatrics, Physiology, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, a Paediatric Nephrologist and Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, and Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 3
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Ernest Diez Benavente

Ernest Diez Benavente

Assistant Professor, University Medical Center Utrecht
As an Assistant Professor in experimental cardiology at the UMC Utrecht (Netherlands) my group focusses on the analysis of complex biological data to understand sex differences in atherosclerosis. In addition, we have a strong motivation to valorise our findings into clinically relevant... Read More →
avatar for Anita Small

Anita Small

Owner/Founder, Small LANGUAGE CONNECTIONS
Dr. Anita Small is a sociolinguist, educator, mediator and researcher - inspired to bridge different worlds through communication, arts, language and culture. Founder/owner of small LANGUAGE CONNECTIONS, working with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, museums, theatres... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 4
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Janine Geerling

Janine Geerling

Assistant Professor, UMC Utrecht
As a biomedical scientist specialized in higher education teaching, I dedicate myself to designing and providing educational activities that stimulate the development of student's research skills. More specifically, I focus on training students to design their research in an inclusive... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 5
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Marc van Mil

Marc van Mil

Associate Professor Biomedical Education, UMC Utrecht
Marc van Mil is associate professor biomedical education at University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. He cares about and contributes to the professional development of future clinicians, clinician scientists and biomedical scientists; both by being an excellent teacher and... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 6
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Vicki Seyfert-Margolis

Vicki Seyfert-Margolis

Respond health
Dr. Seyfert-Margolis founded RespondHealth (previously known as My Own Med, Inc.) to disrupt incumbent methods of clinical trialing, new product trialing and patient registry development – all in service of her aim to deliver better health outcomes to those afflicted with disease... Read More →
avatar for Bas Vastert

Bas Vastert

Head of department of pediatric rheumatology ad inmunology, Wilhelmina Childrens’ Hospital, UMC Utrecht
I am a pediatric rheumatologist/immunologist and a translational researcher with a PhD on mechanisms of disease and therapy in severe Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in 2013. I am staff member of the department of pediatric rheumatology & immunology since 2012, and head of this... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 7
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Berent Prakken

Berent Prakken

Emeritus professor, UMC Utrecht
Berent Prakken (MD, PhD) is vice-dean and director of the biomedical education centre at the Utrecht Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), the Netherlands. He is also professor of pediatric immunology at the UMCU and honorary professor at the University of Ghent, Belgium. Berent Prakken... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 8
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Casper Schoemaker

Casper Schoemaker

Advisor patient involvement in research and double talent, UMC Utrecht
Casper Schoemaker, PhD is an advisor on patient involvement in research at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital of the UMC Utrecht and INVOLV.He was trained as a researcher and he used to be a senior researcher and project leader at the National Institute for Public Health and the... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentoring Group 9
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Speakers
avatar for Femke van Wijk

Femke van Wijk

Professor Immunology and Manager Research Pediatrics, UMC Utrecht
Femke van Wijk is a Professor in Tissue Immunology at the Center for Translational Immunology at the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) in the Netherlands. Dr. van Wijk obtained her PhD on mechanisms of oral tolerance and allergic sensitization to peanut at the Utrecht University... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
TBA

16:45 CEST

Mentorship 2
Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
Group Mentoring During Eureka Certificate Courses
 
Description
During the course, you’ll take part in two small-group mentoring sessions designed to help you reflect on and navigate professional dilemmas. These are not scientific discussions—they’re focused on your growth as a professional. You’ll join a group of 3–4 peers and two experienced Eureka faculty to explore real challenges from your work life in a supportive, confidential setting. The magic of these sessions is the shared experience—you’ll likely find that others have faced similar situations, and the insights from the group often lead to powerful new perspectives. We encourage you to come prepared with a professional dilemma you’d be willing to discuss.
 
Instructions
The goal of setting up group peer mentoring during the certificate Eureka courses is twofold: a) Assisting participants in learning new ways of approaching their career dilemmas b) Supporting them in developing adaptive expertise for critical problem solving. While doing so, they experience a format for peer mentoring that they can apply in their home institutions.
Before Starting:
  • Discuss how to create a safe environment (everything stays within the group)
  • Share the ground rules (focus on listening, do not come up too soon with practical solutions, ask the why questions, etc.)
  • Discuss what is needed for the group to work as a team (define the order of the case-providers, person who summarizes the dilemma, etc.) 
Eureka Group Mentoring – Suggested Method:
  • Step 1: Introduction. The case-provider explains their dilemma. The rest of the group is in active listening mode.
  • Step 2: Clarification. The group members ask specific questions to clarify the dilemma, and the case-provider answers directly.
  • Step 3: Problem Detection. Once the dilemma is clarified, the group members take 2 minutes to think of “deeper questions”. These can be related to facts, context, beliefs, feelings, standards, and values that play a role. Make sure that the questions are not solutions with a question mark. Each member asks one question on rotation till all the questions have been asked. The case-provider writes down all the questions.
  • Step 4: Answers. Wednesday July 8, 2026 16:45 - 18:15 CEST
    TBA
 
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