Dr. L.J.A.C. (Luuk) Hawinkels

After graduating in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, I focused my PhD at the LUMC on the impact of interactions between cells in the tumour microenvironment on tumor progression, revealing a key role for fibroblasts. I joined the ten Dijke group as a postdoc , where I combined my expertise in fibroblast biology and clinical sample analyses with therapeutic targeting of TGFβ. With a personal Alpe d’HuZes/Bas Mulder grant,I started an independent research line on the role of specific fibroblasts in the metastatic spread of colorectal cancer. I combined my passion for basic/early translational research and collaboration with academic/private partners. In 2015 I was recruited to the MDLZ department, where I extended my studies to inflammatory bowel disease and since 2018 continue as head of the research lab/Associate professor. Next to research I am teacher for biomedical sciences students, board member of LUMC’s Young Faculty Network and chair of the NVGE/experimental gastroenterology.

I strongly believe that the interplay between activated fibroblasts and immune cells is a key driver of disease progression. I envision that reverting the activated fibroblasts into a quiescent state, restoring a normal balance, will not only halt disease progression but could actually cure it. Working in the gastroenterology field, my ambition is to understand how activated fibroblasts impact gastrointestinal disease progression and to normalize them. Closely collaborating with clinicians, I translate my preclinical work on fibroblast(-like) cells into patients and perform basic research to understand clinical responses to therapy. Moreover, it enables me to setup and maintain unique clinically relevant biobanks, which are essential building blocks for advanced (pre-)clinical models. My group supports all levels of higher education (MBO-PhD) and offers an excellent and tailor-made space for professional and personal development in a safe and healthy environment.