Radboud University: Three new KNAW members from Radboud

Maaike van Berkel, Teun Bousema and Jolanda de Vries have been appointed as new members of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Members of the KNAW, who are leading scientists from a wide variety of different disciplines, are chosen based on nominations from colleagues, both in and out of the academy.

Maaike van Berkel, Professor of Medieval History
Maaike van Berkel(verwijst naar een andere website) (1970) is one of the leading medievalists of her generation. She researches the social and cultural history of the medieval Middle East, especially power relations, administration and urban culture. Van Berkel gained international authority as a result of the way in which she bridged the gap between Western and Middle Eastern medievalism. Her most recent research project is distinctly interdisciplinary and topical. It focuses on the ways in which administrators in the drought-stricken medieval Middle East managed to provide their citizens with sufficient water. Also as a lecturer, Van Berkel ensures a systematic integration of non-western perspectives in the bachelor and master programmes at the RU.

Teun Bousema, hoogleraar Medische Microbiologie
Teun Bousema(verwijst naar een andere website) (1977) is dedicated to better understanding the spread of tropical infectious diseases such as malaria. Through years of field research in, for instance, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, he was able to show that most malaria infections are caused by patients who themselves have no symptoms and that malaria patients remain infectious for weeks after they have been treated. To address these problems, Bousema set up a successful study with drugs specifically designed to block infection. Bousema is also very active outside his field. For example, he co-produced a play about academic integrity and helps research institutes and science funders to make their work processes more sustainable.

Jolanda de Vries, hoogleraar Translationele Tumorimmunologie
Jolanda de Vries(verwijst naar een andere website) (1968) is committed to applying insights from fundamental biomedical research to patient care. She made an important contribution to a still experimental method of treatment in which cells from a patient’s immune system are activated to fight cancer (immunotherapy). De Vries is a much sought-after speaker, she has set up exchange programmes for young scientists and has an excellent international network. This has enabled her to assemble a strong and diverse team around her, from which much is expected.