Current projects

PRISM - Psychiatric Ratings using Intermediate Stratified Markers (2016-2021)

This project aims to develop a quantitative biological approach to the understanding and classification of neuropsychiatric diseases to accelerate the discovery and development of better treatments for patients. We aim to unpick the biological reasons underlying social withdrawl, which is a common early symptom of Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and Major Depressive Disorder. The PRISM project started on April 1 2016, and is a EUR €16.5 million public-private cooperation, uniting researchers from European academic centres, and major pharmaceutical companies.
Partners & funding: Innovative Medicine Initiative (IMI) project (EU H2020, EFPIA)
Information: PRISM website
Contact: Martien Kas (PRISM project coordinator)

ROADMAP - Real world Outcomes across the AD spectrum for better care: Multi-modal data Access Platform (2016-2020)

The aim of ROADMAP is to provide the foundation for a Europe-wide RWE (real world evidence) platform on Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The basis for this platform will be a series of scalable, transferable data integration methods and tools for patient outcomes, developed and tested through pilot projects. In parallel, ROADMAP will develop tools for stakeholder engagement (such as implementation and validation of smartphone technology for behavioural assessments, understanding the ELSI context and health economics impact of a RWE approach in AD.
Partners & funding: Innovative Medicine Initiative (IMI) project (EU H2020, EFPIA)
Information: ROADMAP website
Contact: Martien Kas

SMARD - Monitoring and cognition modification against recurrence of depression (2015-2020)

Aimed to improve our understanding of the neurobiological background of resilience and who is most at risk for the recurrence of depression. For these studies, newly developed smartphone app technology will be used.
Partners & funding: Hersenstichting
Information: Hersenstichting website
Contact: Martien Kas

Early life Nutrition (xxxx-xxxx)

Development of animal models for preventative strategies against NCDs by personalized mother and infant nutrition.
Partners & funding: Danone-Nutrica
Information: Nutricia Research website
Contact: Gertjan van Dijk

Experimental surgery in rodent models for NCDs (xxxx-xxxx)

Rodent models for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and bariatric surgery are developed to treat morbid obesity and related NCDs.
Partners & funding: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden
Information:
Contact: Gertjan van Dijk

Human and animal behavioural energetics (xxxx-xxxx)

Assessment of energy expenditure (using doubly labeled water analysis, actigraphy, indirect calorimetry) and energy intake (questionnaires, computerized food assessment).
Partners & funding: SpecialistenNet Nederland
Information:
Contact: Gertjan van Dijk

Neurobiology of rare metabolic diseases (xxxx-xxxx)

• Fortasyn Connect as a nutritional medicine in Phenylketonuria (PKU) studied in two PKU mouse models: aimed at improving the dietary requirements in PKU by studying brain specific functions in the domains of synaptic functioning, white matter integrity, neurotransmitter production and oxidative stress reduction.
  Partners & funding: Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition
  
• Production of novel enzymes to reduce the phenylalanin levels in blood and brain studied in PKU mice.
  Partners & funding: Codexis, USA
  
• The use of LNAA in liberalization of the diet of PKU patients by way of proof-of-principle studies with PKU mice.
  Partners & funding: National PKU Alliance (NPKUA), USA
  
• Aimed at preventing brain and behavioral damage in Tyrosinemia mice by way of dietary interventions.
  Partners & funding: Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi)
  
  Contact: Eddy van der Zee

Neurobiology of sensory stimulation by 30 Hz whole body vibration (xxxx-xxxx)

Aimed at slowing down neurodegenerative disease by way of applying whole body vibration in men and mice.
Partners & funding: Vita Motion Technology, Stichting Philadelphia Zorg, nursing homes in the province of Groningen
Information:
Contact: Eddy van der Zee