Introducing Life Sciences

3-7 September 2018

Introduction week for all first year Master’s students of the Graduate School of Life Sciences

Bright minds, better future

Graduate School of Life Sciences

Welcome to Utrecht and the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The School is responsible for all educational activities for Master’s and PhD students within the field of Life Sciences. This is a broad field, with topics ranging from microbes to plants and humans, from molecules to organisms, and from individuals to populations. These topics are incorporated into the 16 Master’s programmes of the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

Each month you will meet your fellow students during a Life Science Seminar on one of the programme themes. These are given by an internationally renowned scientists. The seminars are followed by drinks are followed by drinks, so that students working in different buildings in the Utrecht Science Park – the Uithof – can meet each other remove socially.

The academic year opens with the week ‘Introducing Life Sciences’ for all Graduate School Master students, regardless of their programme. This week is part of the course ‘Life Sciences Academy’. During this f irst week, you will attend lectures given by top speakers from science and industry on themes such as professional attitude, scientific integrity, your future as MSc, academic writing, ethics, the concepts of valorisation and cooperation with industry. One afternoon is allocated to meeting the staff and fellow students of your own programme. The week ends with a social activity in Utrecht, including a dinner and drinks in the evening.

We hope that you will f ind ‘Introducing Life Sciences’ stimulating and make use of the opportunity to get to know the staff and your fellow students, so that you can start to build your Life Sciences network from day one.

I wish you an exciting week!

Prof. Jos van Strijp, PhDChairman Executive Board of StudiesGraduate School of Life Sciences

Dear Life Sciences student,

Photo: Bert Spiertz

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About the Introducing Life Sciences weekThe information in this guide gives an overview of the lectures offered for the course ‘Introducing Life Sciences’. This week is part of the course ‘Life Sciences Academy’, which consists of three parts: Introducing Life Sciences, Navigation towards personal excellence and the Life Sciences seminars. This course is 1.5 credits in total.

This first part, Introducing Life Sciences (ILS) is a mandatory introduction week for all Master’s students of the GSLS at the start of the academic year. It covers all aspects of academic educa-tion, including scientific integrity, career development, and valorisation & industry. During this week there will also be time to get to know each other, and the School’s staff, as well as where to find important information and documents. Every day of the week, students are registered for attendance using a personalized barcode.

The three workshops of Navigation towards personal excellence (part II) offer students a framework to make well thought out choices for their career path and to properly position themselves in the labour market.

For the third part, each academic year the GSLS offers 10 Life Sciences seminars within the broad theme of Life Sciences and the soft skills needed within this f ield. Students follow 7 of these seminars during the course of their programme.

Photo: Bert Spiertz

After completing the course Life Sciences Academy the student:

Learning outcomes Introducing Life Sciences (Part I):

After completing this part of the course, the student:• is familiar with the organization of the Graduate School of Life Sciences;• is capable of consciously choosing between all options offered by the Graduate School

(projects, profiles, courses and electives);• has knowledge about professional attitude, scientific integrity and the ethics of

animal experiments;• is familiar with the concepts of valorisation and cooperation with industry;• has a detailed view on his/her future as MSc;• is introduced into the principles of academic writing (article, grant, writing assignment,

proposal, and for the general public);• is introduced into the Utrecht Life Science community;• has made a f lying start in building his/her Life Sciences network.

Learning outcomes Navigation towards personal excellence (Part II):

After completing this part of the course, the student:• is able to ref lect on his/her own development and study career;• is able to ref lect on his/her current qualities and skills, and gain insight in those that need

further development during your Master’s programme;• is able to study craft (make right choices for your future resume);• is able to prepare his/her career perspectives and career path / envision his/her future.

Learning outcomes Life Sciences seminars (Part III):

After completing this part of the course, the student:• is acquainted with recent scientific developments in the field of Life Sciences other than their

own Master’s programme;• is familiar with the multi-disciplinary field of Life Sciences and network with peers;• has an interdisciplinary scientific view;• is able to write a self-ref lection about scientific seminars, ethics, and soft skills that contribute to

the student’s personal study and career success.

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Programme overview

MONDAY SEPT 3

TUESDAY SEPT 4**

WEDNESDAY SEPT 5

THURSDAY SEPT 6

FRIDAY SEPT 7

10.00-11.00 11.00-13.00 9.00-10.45 9.00-12.30 9.15-10.00

Registration Scientific integrity

Directing your profiles and career

Debates on Scientific integrity

Keynote lecture

11.00-12.15 11.00-12.20 10.00-12.00

Introduction to the Graduate School of Life Sciences

Speeddates with alumni

Directing your career

Lunch* Break Break Break Lunch*

13.00-13.30 13.00-14.30 13.00-14.30 13.15-15.00 13.00-18.00

Introduction to the Graduate School of Life Sciences

Scientific integrity - preparation

Going abroad,Scientific Literacy, Academic Writing

Valorisation, Communication & Industry workshops

Social activity

Administrationoffices open

14.00-17.00 14.30-17.00 14.30-18.30 18.00-Late

Get-together with own Master’s programme

Scientific integrity - preparation

Buddy programme LSR

Barbeque, drinks

* Lunch provided by the GSLS** February 2018 students start at Tuesday Sept 4th

Educatorium Theatron, Leuvenlaan 19 , UtrechtRooms for get-together will be announced

Utrecht Science Park

UMC Utrecht, Green, Pink (& Yellow) Lecture Hall, Universiteitsweg 98, Utrecht Rooms for speeddates will be announced (HvdB)

Utrecht, exact location will be announced

Hijmans van den Bergh building, Universiteitsweg 98, Utrecht

BBG and Kruyt, Princetonplein 5 Utrecht and Padualaan 8,Utrecht

Photo: Bert Spiertz

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Programme

MondayDuring this day the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) will be introduced to you. Practical educational matters within the GSLS, such as procedures and forms, will be explained. Besides this, people and committees that are important during your Master’s programme will introduce themselves. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to meet the students and staff from your own Master’s programme.

MONDAY 3 SEPT SUBJECT SPEAKER THEME LOCATION

11.00-11.30 Welcome to Utrecht University Prof. Annetje OttowVice-president of the Executive Board, Utrecht University

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

11.30-11.45 Welcome to the GSLS Prof. Han WöstenProgramme director Biosciences

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

11.45-12.00 Be your own Master! Prof. Harold van Rijen,Vice Chair Executive Board of Studies, GSLS, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

12.00-12.15 Practical and educational matters

Els van der Vlist, PhD Research Project Coordinator, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

BREAK Lunch

13.00-13.15 Academic Counsellors Jaco Fockert-Koefoed, MScAcademic Counsellor Masters Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

13.15-13.20 Life Sciences Representatives Thomas Broekhoff, BScChair Life Science Representatives (LSR), GSLS

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

13.20-13.30 Student's associations Student’s associations of the GSLSGeerte Koster and Winnie Henderson, BScVice chairs of M.B.V Mebiose and U.S.S Proton, Utrecht University

Introduction Educatorium Theatron

BREAK

14.00-17.00 Get-together Get-together with own Master’s programme Introduction Educatorium Theatron

CHAIRS Gönül Dilaver, PhD and Pauline Krijgsheld, PhD

MO

ND

AY

Photo: Ivar Pel

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Programme

TuesdayImportant aspects such as fraud and ethics in science will be discussed during this day. Part of the results of the survey about Scientific Integrity, which you have filled in last week, will be presented. The second part of the day will be used for an interactive assignment on one of four topics on Scientific Integrity. You will work on a case on one of these four topics in smaller groups (~16). The results will be used in the Scientific Integrity debates on Thursday morning.

TUESDAY 4 SEP SUBJECT SPEAKER THEME LOCATION

11.00-11.30 Crossing the line: fraud in science

Prof. Elly HolProfessor Gliabiology of Brain disease, Faculty of Medicine

Scientific Integrity Educatorium Theatron

11.30-12.15 Integrity: on becoming a good professional

Mariëtte van den Hoven, PhD Director of studies Ethics institute, Associate profes-sor Philosophy and Religious Studies - Faculty of Humanities

Scientific Integrity Educatorium Theatron

12.15-12.45 Instructions assignment Educatorium Theatron

BREAK

13.00-14.30 Administration offices open Administration

13.00-17.00 Time to prepare for Thursday Scientific Integrity

CHAIR Shirrinka Goubitz, PhD

TUESD

AY

Photo: Ivar Pel

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Programme

WednesdayTo pursue a successful career in the Life Sciences, it is important to make well-thought-out decisions. We have invited several successful alumni of the GSLS to talk about their career choices. After a plenary talk about Navigation Towards Personal Excellence, the different profiles that you can choose within your Master’s programme will be introduced. A profile can replace your minor research project with theoretical courses, in the field of Business Management, Science Communication, Education, Bioinformatics, or Complex Systems. The GSLS stimulates its students to do their short internship outside of Utrecht. An Associate professor will talk about the added value of going abroad. Moreover, Master’s students who went abroad for their intern-

WEDNESDAY 5 SEP SUBJECT SPEAKER THEME LOCATION

09.00-09.30 Navigation towards personal excellence

Gönül Dilaver, PhDCoordinator MSc programmes Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Directing your career Educatorium Theatron

09.30-10.00 Directing your profiles Profile coordinators.Hein Roelfsema, PhD MBA,; Bas van Breukelen, PhD; Liesbeth de Bakker, MSc; Kirsten ten Tusscher, PhD; Marco Spruit, PhD; Manon Thijssen, MSc.

Directing your career Educatorium Theatron

10.10-10.20 Qbio Can Kesmir, PhDCoordinator QBio, Faculty of Science

QBio (honours programme) Educatorium Theatron

10.25-10.35 U/select Thao Lâm, Bsc. U/Select Student 2017 U/Select (honours programme) Educatorium Theatron

10.35-10.45 Student experience in Boston and Panama

Thao Lâm, BSc. and Laura Boeschoten, BScMaster’s student Toxicology and Environmental Health and Environmental Biology

Going abroad Educatorium Theatron

BREAK

11.00-12.20 Speeddates with alumni Alumni-1 11.00-11.20Alumni-2 11.30-11.50Alumni-3 12.00-12.20

Career paths alumni Rooms in Hijmans van den Bergh building (HvdB)

BREAK

13.00 - 13.20 Should I stay or should I go? Rutger Hermsen, PhD, Assistant Professor Theoretical Biology, Faculty of Science

Going abroad Educatorium Theatron

13.20 - 13.50 How science really works Rinze Benedicus, MSc, Staff advisor, UMC Utrecht & Science in Transition, Faculty of Medicine

Scientific Literacy Educatorium Theatron

13.50 - 14.20 How to write your Master’s thesis

Elma Zijderveld, MA, Trainer, Writing and Skills Cent-re, University College Utrecht

Academic Writing Educatorium Theatron

14.20 - 14.30 Start your career Marte Otter, Msc, Career officer, Career Services Faculty of Medicine

Directing your career Educatorium Theatron

14.30 - 18.30 Buddy Programme LSR Buddy programme

14.45 - 15.15 Q&A on scientific integrity debates (optional)

Ghislaine van Thiel, PhD, Associate Professor, Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Science, Julius Centre

Educatorium Theatron

CHAIRS Gönül Dilaver, PhD and Pauline krijgsheld, PhD

WED

NESD

AY

ship will tell you about their international experience. After this, there are short parallel sessions in small groups (‘speed dates’) with alumni. During these speed dates, you will meet alumni - PhD candidates, postdocs, professors, lecturers, and policy and communication advisors - that have graduated from a Life Sciences Master’s or PhD programme. The alumni will talk about what they did to get to where they are now, how their education prepared them for a career in the corporate world, what they do on a daily basis, and so on. At the end of the day, a buddy activity is organised for the new international students.

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Programme

ThursdayThursday starts with three rounds of Scientific Integrity debates. In groups of 16 students, you will present your key findings on one of the four subjects related to Scientific Integrity. One team will present their findings on the matter (underlying problem, cause etc.). The other team will then present possible solutions, or the opposite site of the case, after which there is room for a debate between the groups.

During the afternoon, you will attend workshops within the theme of Valorisation & Industry. You will learn about why it’s becoming increasingly important to develop strategic partnerships between academic, public and commercial players within research and development.

THURSDAY 6 SEP SUBJECT SPEAKER THEME LOCATION

09.00-12.30 Debates on Scientific integrity Scientific Integrity group 1 09.00-10.00group 2 10.15-11.15group 3 11.30-12.30

Scientific Integrity BBG - 020BBG - 106BBG - 115KRUYT - O123KRUYT - O126

BREAK

13.15-15.00 Entrepreneurial pathways for a Life Scientist

Stefan Braam, BBAIdeation Manager, UtrechtINC Garage

Valorisation UMC Utrecht, Yellow lecture hall

13.15-15.00 Academic communication, what you see is what you get

Eelco Jongenburger, MSW and Eva Pantelakis, BAMAAT careertrainers

Valorisation UMC Utrecht, Pink lecture hall

13.15-15.00 Life of a life scientist at Koppert

Sandra de Weert, PhDManager Process & Product Development Microbiology at Koppert Biological Systems

Valorisation UMC Utrecht, Green lecture hall

CHAIRPauline Krijgsheld, PhD

THU

RSDAY

Photo: O

ssip van Duivenbode

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FRIDAY 7 SEP SUBJECT THEME LOCATION

09.15-10.00 Keynote lecture Keynote lecture Educatorium Theatron

BREAK

10.00-12.00 “How to act like a pro” Directing your career Educatorium Theatron

LUNCH

Afternoon Dutch Expercience

SPEAKER

Prof. Marca WaubenIntercellular Communication, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Jasper van Winden, MScICT and Education coordinator, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University

Student committee Introducing Life Sciences Utrecht Experience

18.00-Late Drink & Dinner Utrecht Experience

CHAIRShirrinka Goubitz, PhD

Programme

FridayThe morning starts with a keynote by Marca Wauben, Professor Intercellular Communication at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She will introduce you to the theme Future Food, in which Utrecht University works on solutions for future food challenges. To supply the next generations with sufficient and healthy food, scientists of Future Food Utrecht join forces in fundamental research to develop new concepts for sustainable innovations for future food production, for design of healthy food and for smart decisions in food behaviour.

Next, you will analyse yourself in current skills and competencies in an inspiring workshop by Jasper van Winden. After lunch, a social programme is organised by the student committee. Be prepared for a nice social activity, followed by a barbeque and drinks afterwards.

FRIDAY

Photo: M

ichael Ko

oren

‘Row as a Master’Friday 7 September

Theme party

Prof. Annetje OttowProfessor Annetje Ottow is the Vice President of the Executive Board Utrecht University. Previously she was the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. Annetje is currently Professor of Public Economic Law at the Europa Institute of Utrecht University. She concentrates on the fields of market regulation and regulators, competition and European law. Her current research relates to independent regulators, with special focus on the institutional design and the supervisory and enforcement instruments used.

Since October 2013, Ottow is Non-executive Director to the Board of the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority). Since December 2013, Ottow is appointed as member of the Supervisory Board to Het Juridisch Loket (Dutch Legal Helpdesk).

Annetje was Non-Executive Board member of OPTA, the Dutch Independent Post and Telecommunications Authority. She has held visiting professorships at the Florence School of Regulation of the European University Institute of Florence (2011) and at the Competition Law Center of the George Washington University, USA (2012). She is also a non-governmental adviser to the International Competition-Network (ICN). From September 2013 until September 2016 she was member of the Supervisory Board to VU University Amsterdam. Before entering the public service and academia, she was a lawyer in private practice for 16 years, active in the areas of competition and regulation.

Prof. Han WöstenHan Wösten studied Biology at the University of Groningen and did his PhD on fungal biology at the same university. He became assistant professor Microbial Physiology at Groningen University after post-doc positions at this university and the University of Munich. In 2001 he accepted the chair in Microbiology at Utrecht University. From 2009 to 2017 and from 2011 to 2017 Han Wösten was president of the Royal Netherlands Society for Microbiology and Head of the Biology Department of Utrecht University, respectively. At this moment he is Director Biosciences and board member of the Biology Department.

Speakers

Rowing with a boat, BBQ and drinks

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Prof. Harold van RijenHarold van Rijen studied Biology at Utrecht University and obtained his degree in 1992. He became a PhD student at the department of Physiology of the Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, studying the biophysical properties of gap junction channels in endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the vascular wall. In 1998, he returned to Utrecht as a postdoc at the department of Medical Physiology of the University Medical Centre, investigating abnormal electrical properties of gap junction channels in the diseased heart. In 2003, he became Assistant Professor and in 2008 Associate Professor, dividing his time between medical physiology education, leading a research group on basic mechanisms of slow conduction related cardiac arrhythmias and heading the mouse phenotyping lab of the division Heart and Lungs of the University Medical Centre.

In 2006 he started with the implementation of several forms of e-learning in his own courses, such as weblectures, microlectures, formative assessments, e-modules and classroom response systems, and launched the customised e-learning platform ‘Physiopedia.nl’.Furthermore, he developed two cardiovascular course packs, entitled ‘Hart en Vaten’ and ‘Leef met je hart!’ in collaboration with the Netherlands Heart Foundation and the Junior College Utrecht for the 2-year programme ‘Nature, Life & Technology’, in secondary school (VWO & Havo).

In 2012 he was appointed ‘Professor of Innovation in Biomedical Education’ and focused on development of effective blended learning models in the biomedical curricula. In 2012 he became head of the strategic Educational IT programme ‘Onbegrensd Leren’. In June 2015, he was appointed as Director of the Master’s courses of Biomedical Sciences of the Graduate School of Life Sciences of Utrecht University and University Medical Centre Utrecht.

Speakers

Els van der Vlist, PhDEls van der Vlist studied Biology at Utrecht University and did her PhD on Cell Biology at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the same university. After obtaining her PhD in 2013 she decided to pursue her passion for teaching and started as a teacher for bachelor students of Pharmacy and as the editor of the Teaching Academy Utrecht University (TAUU). To fully exploit her organizational talent she applied for the position of research project coordinator at Biomedical Sciences (GSLS) later that year. In this position she is responsible for the quality(control) of all research projects and writing assignments of BMS students. She combines this position with teaching in the bachelor of Biomedical Sciences.

Jaco Fockert-Koefoed, MScJaco de Fockert-Koefoed studied Biology at the VU University in Amsterdam from 1989 and received his Master’s degree in 1995. From 1996 till 1999 he was PhD student in Developmental Biology at the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht.

In 1999 he started his career as an academic counsellor at the Faculty of Medicine of the VU University. Soon after that he was appointed by the Faculty of Medicine of Utrecht University as an academic counsellor for both the medical course and the programmes in Biomedical/Life Sciences. With his two colleagues he is responsible for coaching over 3000 students involved in these programmes.

Pim Visscher, MSc Pim Visscher obtained his Master’s degree in Sociology at Groningen University in 2006. A decade later he was appointed by the Faculty of Science of Utrecht University as academic counsellor for the Master programs of the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The job was not new to him, as he had held the same position at the Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University for over eight years. During his time in Rotterdam he was chair of the Dutch Association of Academic Counsellors from 2010 until 2015. Next to working as academic counsellor, Pim is Head of the Student Support Team, which is part ofStudent and Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Science.

Speakers

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Thomas Broekhoff, BScThomas Broekhoff is enrolled in the Master’s programma Epidemiology. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Utrecht University. He has a profound interest in public health and health economics.

Thomas is chair of the Life Science Representatives, the official body for student representation within the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The LSR works to make the voice of students heard within the organization of the GSLS, as well as organizing the buddy programme to help international students feel welcomed in Utrecht.

Student’s associations of the GSLS

U.B.V, M.B.V. Mebiose, U.P.S.V Unitas Pharmaceuticorum and U.S.S. Proton

As a Master’s-student member, you can participate in Master’s activities of four student associations: U.B.V, M.B.V. Mebiose, U.P.S.V Unitas Pharmaceuticorum and U.S.S. Proton! Do you want to visit interesting lectures or conferences in your area of interest? Do you also want to be up-to-date on the upcoming social drinks and events? You can now sign up to be a Master’s student member of all four study associations of the GSLS, and receive the newsletter covering all the latest events.

Speakers

Prof. Elly HolElly Hol is professor of “Glia biology of brain diseases” at the University Medical Center Utrecht and professor “Biology of glia and neural stem cells” at the University of Amsterdam. The research of her group is focused on the role of glial cells in brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, schizophrenia and glioma. The overall aim is to elucidate the molecular and functional changes in glia that contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Her work is particularly concerned with studying glial cells in human post-mortem brain tissue, human cell models, and in mouse models for brain diseases. She applies sophisticated immunological, molecular, and cell biological techniques on whole brain tissue and on glia isolated from human and mouse brains.

Elly was trained as a medical biologist and neurobiologist in Utrecht. After her Ph.D. in Utrecht, she obtained a Max-Planck Fellowship to work for 2 years at the Max-Planck-Institute for Neurobiology in Martinsried, Germany. In 1997, she started as a post-doc at the Netherlands Institute for Brain Research in Amsterdam, where she acquired substantial funding, including a fellowship of the Netherlands Brain foundation. Between 2003 and 2013 she headed the group “Astrocyte Biology & Neurodegeneration” at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam. As of 2013 she works as a principal investigator at the department of translational neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht). Here she leads a translational research group on the role of glia in brain disease (www.ellyhollab.eu). She is recipient of a VICI talent grant from NWO, and coordinator of several other grants. She is in the editorial board of Glia, chair of the scientific advisory board of Alzheimer Nederland, chair of GliaNed, coordinator of the master track Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, and director of education for the Division Brain at the UMC Utrecht. Her work is published in leading journals such as Brain, Molecular Psychiatry, Science, and Stem Cells Translational Medicine. She is regularly invited as a speaker at dedicated research conferences and at events for the general public.

Speakers

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Mariëtte van den Hoven, PhDMariëtte van den Hoven works as Associate Professor and as Director of Studies at the Ethics Institute of Utrecht University. She works on projects in public health (obesity, immunization and nudging) as well as on professional ethics and integrity.

Pauline Krijgsheld, PhDPauline Krijgsheld works as assistant professor at the Graduate School of Life Sciences for both Utrecht University and the Utrecht Medical Centre. She obtained her PhD in microbiology in 2013. After two post-docs in mycelium design she now works as lecturer on several Bachelor courses. Moreover, she is the course coordinator of the course Life sciences Academy.

Speakers

Gönül Dilaver, PhDGönül Dilaver obtained her Master’s degree in Medical Biology at the Radboud University of Nijmegen in 1999. During her Master’s training she stayed in the UK for an internship at the research and development department of Glaxo Smith Kline. After her Master’s degree, she worked as a PhD student at the Department of Cell Biology of UMC Radboud in Nijmegen. In 2005 she obtained her PhD degree for her thesis on protein tyrosine phosphatases in cellular signaling and trafficking. During her MSc and PhD she developed a strong interest in the organisation of academic education and became member of the educational committee and the board of the student’s association of Biology. She was involved in teaching students from Biomedical Sciences and Medicine. In 2005 she started working as a Programme Advisor of the Biomedical Sciences degree at the Radboud University Nijmegen. In 2007 she became Degree Coordinator of the Master’s programmes Biomedical Sciences (Graduate School of Life Sciences) at UMC Utrecht and Utrecht University. She is chair of the Expertise Group Education Life Sciences in which they actively develop and implement educational innovations for the Graduate School of Life Sciences. In 2006 she was appointed as associate professor in Biomedical education. Currently, she leasds the Diversity & Inclusion programme at the educational department of the UMC Utrecht.

Speakers

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Can Kesmir, PhDCan Kesmir obtained her Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark, in 1995. After her Master’s degree, she worked as a PhD candidate at the Biochemistry department of the same university. During this period she developed a close collaboration with the Theoretical Immunology group led by Prof. Rob de Boer at Utrecht University (Biology department). She received her PhD degree in 1998, followed by a short period of postdoc position in the Centre for Biological Sequence Analysis, Denmark, where she developed her expertise on bioinformatics. At Utrecht University she then started as a NWO supported postdoc in the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics group. In 2006 she became a staff member of this group and started working as an independent Principal Investigator. Her research focuses mainly on: 1) Co-evolution of host and its pathogen; 2) Genetic associations of infectious diseases; 3) Development of immunotherapies against cancer.

Besides her busy research carrier, Can Kesmir is heavily involved in both Bachelor and Master education. She teaches several courses, participates in commissions, coordinates Computational Biology track of MCLS Master and Quantitative Biology Honours programme, and works as tutor.

Thao Lâm, BScThao Lâm graduated from Amsterdam University College in 2016 with a bachelor degree in Environmental Sciences and minors in Environmental Policies and International Relations. She then proceeded to enroll in the GSLS Master programme Toxicology and Environmental Health, with strong focus on Environmental Epidemiology. Her major internship at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) with Dr. Gerard Hoek explored methods to link short-term multiple exposure to air pollution and blood pressure. For the minor internship, she studied the associations between climate and autoimmune diseases in the Nurses’ Health Study at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, under the supervision of Dr. Jaime Hart and Dr. Francine Laden. Thao was a recipient of the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship and participant of U/Select honour’s programme. During her time at the GSLS, Thao also served as member of the Life Sciences Representatives (LSR), Educational Committee (OC-LS) and the Vietnamese Students Association in the Netherlands (VSNL).

Speakers

Laura Boeschoten, BScLaura Boeschoten is currently enrolled in the Master’s programme Environmental Biology and part of the U/Select cohort of 2017. She obtained her Bachelor in Biology with honours, also at Utrecht University. She has a strong focus on tropical forest ecology, during both of her internships she went abroad for fieldwork in South and Central America. She wants to improve the available knowledge on forest restoration in the tropics, which was also the focus of her minor internship at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Next to her studies, she was part of several committees for the rowing club A.U.S.R. Orca, worked as student assistant and as a grand advisor and is currently training for her second triathlon.

Rutger Hermsen, PhDRutger Hermsen studied Theoretical Physics and Philosophy of the Exact Sciences in Utrecht. In 2004, he joined Prof. ten Wolde’s Biochemical Network Group at FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam. He obtained his PhD in 2008 at the Free University (VU) in Amsterdam. Subsequently, he started his postdoctoral work with Prof. Terence Hwa in the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at UC San Diego. In 2012, a NWO “Veni” grant allowed him to continue his research as an independent postdoc in the Bionanoscience Department at the TU Delft, supported by Prof. Cees Dekker. In September 2013, he became an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at Utrecht University, in the Theoretical Biology division lead by Prof. Rob de Boer.

Rinze Benedicus, MScRinze Benedictus works as a staff advisor at the University Medical Centre Utrecht and he is involved in the Science in Transition initiative. Science in Transition fuels the debate about quality, reproducibility and relevance of scientific research. Benedictus was trained a biologist, and after working as a science journalist, is now active in science policy and management. At the UMC Utrecht he is developing and implementing new incentives and rewards for researchers. He is also doing PhD research about the formative effects of these new incentives and rewards at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, the Netherlands.

Speakers

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Elma Zijderveld, MAFascinated as she was by language, stories and psychology, Elma Zijderveld found her way to the Department of Language and Culture Studies at Utrecht University. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree she took a gap year to work on a cross border NGO in the North of Greece where she learned how to write outstanding grant proposals to secure the funding of her projects. She returned to Utrecht University to explore the interplay between media, culture and society, and combined her studies with a position as a teaching assistant and self-employed text editor. In 2009 she obtained her MA degree (cum laude) in Television Studies. Besides her job as freelance textwriter and comprehensive editor Elma Zijderveld is currently working for Educational Consultancy & Professional Development (UU). As a trainer in research and writing skills her main focus is on what students need in order to successfully conduct something as complex as a research project. How to plan and execute a project investigating the topic of your interest? What do you need to translate what you did and what your findings are to an effective piece of writing? There is no single recipe for success, but there are definitely essential ingredients to the practice of good academic writing!

Marte Otter, MScMarte Otter works as a career officer at the faculty of medicine. Marte and her colleague Simone Kastelein, career officer of the Faculty of Science, are there for you if you want help with preparing yourself for a career after your Master’s. They give various workshops on career planning, LinkedIn, networking and job application and you can have an individual chat with them about these topics. Both have a large network in the Life Sciences field.

A good start of your masters? Join the networking group on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/8447558 and stay updated on all career services activities

Speakers

Ghislaine van Thiel, PhDGhislaine van Thiel obtained a Master’s degree in Health Sciences at Maastricht University in 1993. She is specialised in Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Science. Currently, she is Associate Professor at the Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care of the University Medical Centre Utrecht. Her main research topics are: ethics of drug development and end-of life decision-making. Ghislaine is a member of the Dutch Health Council and teaches Medical Ethics at the Faculty of Medicine.

Stefan Braam, BBACan a scientist start a successful business?

In the past 15 years Stefan has seen how current rate of change is offering ever better solutions as a result of exponential acceleration of technology. The next few years will bring better healthcare, cleaner energy and less inequality for everyone. Stefan connects scientists and entrepreneurs to the right mind set, skills and strategies to turn ideas into leading technology companies. As a startup incubation lead at UtrechtInc he offers a vibrant community of other entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and talents. Want to impact the world in a positive way and build great companies while doing it? Learn more about startup entrepreneurship in this workshop.

Speakers

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Eelco Jongenburger, MSWThe seemingly limitless possibilities in the imaginary world that you can find in books, films and theatre fascinated Eelco Jongenburger since childhood. Keeping this in mind while getting to know the rough side and ride of life, he decided to become a drama therapist. In drama therapy clients are playfully challenged to change their being and cope with what they cannot change. After several years of working in psychiatric hospitals and a short detour into the world of film and TV, Eelco chose to apply his expertise in the commercial and business services as a trainer. Doing so, he provided people with knowledge and skills so they could improve their performance as a sales rep, consultant, physician, manager, etc. Although this was successful, it did not always give them more pleasure and satisfaction in their work. Apparently, becoming better at work only resulted in more happiness at work in some cases. This insight called for a mission: Identify ways to help people in find back joyful engagement in work. Eelco succeeded in doing so within the work area of Occupational Health Services. As a consultant he helps people, teams and organizations with solving all kinds of employability issues. As a believer in creation he does this in a playful manner and stimulates people to rely on their imagination, creativity and self-confidence. Eelco never lost the importance of playfulness out of sight and is also still active as an improvisation-actor. He applies methods of improvisation theatre in training programs and events for all kinds of companies throughout the country.

Speakers

Eva Pentelakis, BA Eva has been an entrepreneur for six years; she teaches people to speak, sparkle and survive in front of groups. Being rather shy as a child, she knows what it takes to help people to step out of their comfort zone and present themselves authentically. She has been involved as a presentation trainer in different departments of the University of Groningen. For the last two years she trained Honours students to express themselves more as a leader. She helps candidates for Veni, Vidi and Vici grants to improve their pitch for the NWO. She does this with a lot of positive energy and with results. The power of role playing and the importance of playfulness have always inspired her to sing and do so in theatre. Through studying theatre and acting she discovered three important aspects of life itself. 1. If you can imagine it, you can become it. 2. If you let go of control, you will feel more in control. 3. Every person has a story, listen to it and learn from it. As a training actress in companies as Enexis, Gasunie and at the UMCG hospital, she plays challenging clients, patients and colleagues. At events and congresses she plays and sings back stories from the audience with a group of actors and musicians. Sharing meaningful stories with people and feeling connected gives Eva much joy. This “on the spot” way of performing stays challenging and helps her grow as a person and as a trainer. When working with Eva: Positive energy and a smile are guaranteed.

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Sandra de Weert, PhDSandra started here education in 1993 – 1998 with an expertise in Biochemistry. In 2000 she initiated here PhD at Leiden University on the topic of biological control by the use of micro-organisms (2000 – 2004, Thesis: Traits of Pseudomonas f luorescens WCS365 involved in colonisation of roots and hyphae).

Sandra worked for several years in academic life on various topics, among others in collaboration with the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) related to biofilm growth and infections and the development of new therapeutics.

Before moving to company life she was part of a large integrated project funded by EC called Biorenew “White Biotechnology for added value products from renewable plant polymers: Design of tailor-made biocatalysts and new industrial bioprocesses”. During this time she was also a Co-promoter of 2 PhD-students, one related to the topic of discovery and characterization of antimicrobial compounds from natural extracts of traditional medicinal plants. Sandra still teaches at Leiden University and is a board member of the Dutch society for Biotechnology.

Since 2011 she is working at Koppert Biological Systems as head of the R&D dept of Process development Microbiology. Koppert Biological Systems is a company active in the field of biological crop protection. It contributes to a better health of people and the planet. In partnership with nature, to make agriculture healthier, safer and more productive.

Speakers

Prof. Marca WaubenMarca Wauben heads the research group Intercellular Communication of the Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She studied Biology at Utrecht University and performed her graduate research at the Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Utrecht University. She received her PhD cum laude (1993). Postdoctoral training was performed at Utrecht University and at the University of California San Diego, USA (Prof. S. Albani). She became fellow of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences of the Netherlands (1997-2002). As associate professor she established her own research groups at Utrecht University, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology (2001-2004) and at Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion (2004-2006).In 2006 she moved to Utrecht University, Department Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. In 2011 she became full professor Intercellular Communication at this Department. Her research group focuses on the role of cell-derived vesicles in intercellular communication. She is member of the Board of Examiners Life Sciences Utrecht University and one of the leaders of Future Food Utrecht (www.uu.nl/futurefood).

Jasper van Winden, MScPerhaps the most important thing Jasper van Winden learned during his study Biology at Utrecht University, was that he loved research, but preferably not performed by himself. He has had several jobs at his Alma Mater since 2006, ranging from press officer to knowledge broker. Currently Jasper is working on innovation in education. He has set up the Teaching & Learning Lab, an innovative teaching facility to promote and investigate new forms of teaching. He is coordinating the innovation programme Science Educate-it for the Faculty of Science and is UU-project leader Future Learning Spaces. One of the most fun projects he is currently working on: designing an escape room for teachers (launched in September). In most of his teaching, academic and professional skills are central. Failing forward, learning by doing and continual improvement are three core principals he strongly beliefs in.

Speakers

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International student population

over 42 different

nationalities

450 new students every year 20% international students

TOP 50 QS ranking

Life Sciences and Medicine

16 TWO-YEAR Research Masters

± 50% of the students conduct a research project abroad

Utrecht Summer School: 15 summer courses in Life Sciences

15 minutes by bike

20 minutes by bus

>220 professors in Life Sciences, from fun-damental and applied

research to translation-al and

clinical research

Utrecht Science Park

City centre

Graduate School of Life Sciences

Master’s programmes

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Join theiGEMteam Utrecht 2019!Would you like • to be involved in running a research project

from start to finish• design a living machine by genetic

engineering to solve an important problem • Work in an interdisciplinary team• address real-world issues and to compete

with other teams around the world• present your results at the giant jamboree in

October 2019 in Boston (USA).

Who can apply?• Third year bachelor students or master students

(age 23 or younger on March 31, 2019)

Check out the 2018 team at 2018.igem.org/Competitionm and igem.sites.uu.nl/

Apply before February 2019!

U/Select is the life sciences honours programme forselected students of the GSLS. It is a 2-year extracurricularprogramme, for excellent students who seek to broadentheir horizon and want to get more out of their Master’s programme.

The goals of U/Select are:• To broaden and deepen your study programme in

extra and special learning experiences.• To be part of a community of excellent students in

life sciences.• To be able to write a research proposal and execute

this during your minor research project abroad.• To have a better start position for your next step in

your (study) career.• To build your network beyond your own

Master’s programme.

Are you ambitious and do you seek extra challenge?

Application deadline: December 1st 2018

More information on application and admissionwww.uu.nl/lifesciences/studyguide > Honours and awards > U/Select

Boost your CV with extracurricular activities!

U/SELECTUtrecht Selective Life Sciences ExtraCurricular Track

The honours programme of the Graduate School of Life Sciences

Course coordinator: Pauline Krijgsheld, PhDContact Introducing Life Sciences / Life Sciences seminarsEmail: P.Krijgsheld@umcutrecht.nlContact Navigation towards personal excellence: Rianne BouwmeesterR.A.M.Bouwmeester@umcutrecht.nl

Websites: www.gsls-uu.nlstudyguidelifesciences.nl

Editorial staff: Utrecht University, Graduate School of Life SciencesEditors: Pauline Krijgsheld, PhD; Karlijn van Boxtel, MSc.Edition: Sixth edition July 2018Lay-out and text processing: Marketing & Communicatie, UMC UtrechtCover photo: Maria Salaru

This guide has been compiled with the utmost care, but is intended for informational purposes only. No rights can be derived from its contents.

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Hijmans van den Bergh building

Buys ballot building

Educatorium

Kruyt building

Bus stop Heidelberglaan

UTRECHT SCIENCE PARK

UMC UtrechtBlue, Green, Pink, Yellow Lecture Hall

UTRECHT SCIENCE PARKFor all buildings, bus stop: Heidelberglaan

Buys ballot building Princetonplein 5

Educatorium Leuvenlaan 19

Kruyt buildingPadualaan 8

Hijmans van den Bergh building (HvdB)Universiteitsweg 98

UMC Utrecht Universiteitsweg 100