Infection

Due to newly (re)emerging infectious agents, escalating antimicrobial drug resistance, and limitations in effectiveness and accessibility of crucial vaccines and therapies in low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), infectious diseases are projected to regain their status as the number one killer worldwide. The LUMC Research Innovation Theme Infection focuses on groundbreaking research initiatives and preparedness programs to face the challenges ahead.

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Vision & mission

The potential impact of infectious diseases on individuals, societies, and our planet needs no further introduction. Preparedness, prevention, and medical interventions depend on our detailed understanding of the biology and evolution of pathogens, their interactions with the host and its immune system, and the diseases they can cause. Theme Infection aims to deliver knowledge-driven prevention strategies and cures, for the infectious diseases of today and tomorrow.

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Translating knowledge into solutions

LUMC Theme Infection supports, inspires, and unites researchers working in the field of infection in LUMC and beyond. Our Theme is built on a strong community of biomedical scientists and clinicians, who dissect host-pathogen interactions to develop out-of-the-box prevention strategies and cures for the most pressing infectious disease challenges.

Our vision

LUMC Theme Infection aims to be an inspirational leader in the development of knowledge-driven strategies to combat infectious diseases through the development of novel diagnostics, epidemiological models, vaccines, drugs, and immune modulators.

The impact of infections

Given the steady influx of emerging infectious agents, increasing drug resistance, and the reduced efficacy of some new key vaccines in low- and middle-income countries, strong and effective research and preparedness programs are needed to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the threatening power and speed of globally emerging infectious agents, underlining the importance of effective preparedness and vaccination programs.

About us

Ron Hokke

Cornelis (Ron) Hokke is head of the Research subdepartment of the Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID-R) and professor in Glycobiology of host-pathogen interaction. His current research projects include studies into glycobiology of infections with translations into applications of diagnostic and vaccine targets based on pathogen-derived glycan antigens. Ron is coordinator of the Horizon Europe consortium WORMVACS2.0 with a focus on development of vaccines against parasitic worm infections. He is keen on teaching and promoting glycosciences to students and colleagues.

Click here for profile Ron Hokke

Anna Roukens

Anna Roukens is an infectious diseases clinician treating patients with underlying immune deficiencies who are at risk for or suffer from bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections. Besides patient care she is involved in the Travel Clinic, advising on prevention of infections during traveling. As a principal investigator of many clinical vaccine trials, she translates the needs for these at-risk populations into research questions leading to clinical solutions. She investigates alternative administration techniques and dosages in order to improve vaccine immunogenicity and availability. She has received a ZonMW clinical fellowship for her research.

Click here for profile Anna Roukens

Willianne Hoepel

Willianne Hoepel is a starting group leader at the Department of Immunology. She studies antibody glycosylation in context of respiratory viral infections. Her research is supported by a VENI grant of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Young Investigators Grant of the Dutch Lung Foundation. Besides she is also a member of the Young Investigator Board of the NRS (Netherlands Respiratory Society). She is also supervising master and PhD students and is involved in teaching during Half Minor program and FOS courses at the LUMC.

Click here for profile Willianne Hoepel

Subthemes

Collaborations

In addition to LUMC departments, Theme Infection has strong connections with other faculties of Leiden University, the Leiden Bioscience Park, and beyond. Like:

Collaboration with University of Edinburgh – Related to One Health projects
Collaborations with field sites in Bangladesh, Brazil, Gabon, Indonesia, Uganda, South-Africa and more
Strong link to centers in low middle income countries