1) Neurologist (Kliniekhoofd), University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Reference Centre (NMRC) ; 2) Professor (Hoogleraar), University of Leuven (KU Leuven); 3) Head of the Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Department of Neurosciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven) ; 4) Affiliated Principal Investigator at the Leuven Institute for Rare Diseases (Leuven.IRD), KU Leuven
5) Affiliated Principal Investigator at Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven
Education summary
- Bachelor in Medicine, University of Gent, Gent, Belgium (1994) ;
- Medical Doctor (MD), University of Gent, Gent, Belgium (1998);
- Degree in Hospital Care and Management, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium (2002);
- Doctor in Medical Sciences (PhD), University of Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium (2004);
- Neurologist, University of Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium (2005);
- Myologist, Université Pierre et Marie Curie of Paris, Paris, France (2008);
- Privat-Dozentin (PD), Universität der RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany (2011);
- Professor, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium (2016);
- Degree in Management for the Hospital Professional, Vlerick Business School, Belgium (2021)
Career summary
I am a senior neurologist at the Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Centre (NMRC) at University Hospitals Leuven and an assigned Professor at the Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Belgium. At KU Leuven, I am heading the Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies. My research topics are clinical research in a broad range of hereditary and acquired neuromuscular disorders. I also have a special interest in translational medicine in neuromuscular diseases. I am an author on more than 200 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and have written several book chapters on diverse topics in the field of neuromuscular disorders. I am the Principal Investigator of a large number of academic research studies and international clinical trials. Since 2019, I ahve been Chair of the Belgian-Dutch Neuromuscular Study Group. I am a Board member of the European Reference Network for rare neuromuscular diseases (ERN EURO-NMD). I Co-Chair the Muscle Working Group within the ERN EURO-NMD. Recently, I have been appointed as a member of the Research Committee of the European NeuroMuscular Centre (ENMC).
What is the personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the integration of my clinical work at the Neuromuscular Reference Center in UZ Leuven with heading a clinical trial and research unit. This role allows me to mentor PhD students, train neurology residents, and actively participate in state-of-the-art clinical trials and translational research. It is a privilege to help shape the next generation of neuromuscular specialists while advancing both scientific discovery and patient care.
Why did you first join the WMS?
I first joined the WMS in 2006 and have been a member since then. The WMS reflects my main interests, which are neuromuscular disorders with a particular focus on muscle diseases. I was drawn by the Society’s strong focus on both scientific rigour and patient-centred care, and I saw it as an ideal forum to stay at the forefront of developments in the field while contributing to its progress.
What is your goal in joining the Executive Board?
My goal in applying for election to the Executive Board of the World Muscle Society is to contribute to the advancement of global research, education, and collaboration in the field of neuromuscular disorders. As a committed member of the muscle research community, I aim to support the Society’s mission by fostering international partnerships, promoting diversity and inclusion within our field, and enhancing opportunities for early-career researchers. Through active leadership, I hope to help shape the strategic direction of the Society, ensure its continued scientific excellence, and expand its global outreach and impact in clinical care, translational research, and therapeutic development.
