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Parkinson’s is a brain disease whose cause is still largely unknown. However, epidemiologists do see a relationship with toxins in the environment, such as pesticides, heavy metals or certain drugs, such as crystal meth. Scientists from the universities of Maastricht (UM) and Leuven have now developed a successful way to model Parkinson’s using stem cells. This makes it possible to study the effects of these environmental factors on the development of the disease.

Casper Webers, post-doctoral researcher at CAPHRI, has been awarded a Kootstra Talent Fellowship (KTF).

On 29 June, our faculty hosted the mini-symposium and book presentation 'Restorative Justice through the Eyes of.... Reflections on restorative justice from 27 different perspectives' took place.

Jessica Steinlechner and her research group at Maastricht University are making their contribution to discovering into the origin and future of the universe in the form of mirror coatings that will improve our ability to make such measurements.

The investigation into the 2019 cyberattack has been successful. After a long and complex process, crypto currencies worth approximately €500,000 have been seized which may be made available to UM. If so, the money will be used to support students in need.

As part of the MORSE initiative, the Maastricht Observatory on Resilient, Responsible and Sustainable Society, Economy, and Enterprise, the second PhD workshop was organized on 21 and 22 June 2022. The workshop allows MORSE PhD students to present their current research process, their results, and their next steps. At the same time, they can give and receive feedback to each other and from their supervisors. In contrast to the first edition, this year the MORSE PhD-workshop was face to face and on campus.  

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded four experienced researchers at Maastricht University a Vidi grant of EUR 800,000.

Writing a thesis can be a lot of fun, particularly when you choose a subject that’s related to your favourite hobby. For Kristian van Kuijk, an avid cyclist, it’s even led to a dream come true. He’s found an accurate way to predict the energy burned by a rider during a race. The algorithm has impressed Team Jumbo-Visma, who are using Kristian’s predictions in this month’s Tour de France.

Next week, Veerle Spronck will deliver her PhD conferral on new forms of participation in classical music. Veerle researched experimental concerts by philharmonie zuidnederland and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. She found that fundamental questions are asked in such projects: how can we give the audience a different, or perhaps even better, aesthetic experience?

"The first project recently started, in which we convert methane using plasma technology. The exciting experimental part will now really begin”.