iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 15/09/2026

Congratulations to Drs. James Eapen, Abigail Godec, Lauren Harmon and Riley Wedan, who recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School. We look forward to seeing where their passion for discovery takes them next!

011

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 15/06/2026

Van Andel Institute ranks No. 3 on the 2026 Nature Index Research Leaders list of North American nonprofit research organizations for biological sciences. #NatureIndexResearchLeaders

154

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 04/06/2026

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Ellen Stirtz, April Rickle, Sofia leleva, Thomas Goralski and Svetlana Djirackor, who recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School.

051

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 20/04/2026

We are excited to recognize renowned scientist Glenda Halliday, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2026 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research! Read more: vai.org/gcpd-jva-awa...

053

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 15/04/2026

VAI & Wageningen University and Research’s scientists used a CRISPR variant to distinguish tumor DNA from healthy DNA by targeting chemical differences present in cancer cells. Published in @nature.com, the study is a promising step toward cancer therapy that targets tumor cells with high precision.

130

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 10/04/2026

What’s on the horizon in Parkinson’s disease research? In honor of #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, VAI’s Dr. Darren Moore highlights five areas to watch for breakthroughs in the coming years. Read more: www.vai.org/article/5-ar...

022

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 24/03/2026

A new discovery from VAI scientists and collaborators shows that a key energy enzyme in tuberculosis-causing bacteria is structured in an unexpected way, which may help it adapt to stress and survive. The findings point toward new ways to make treatments more effective. #WorldTBDay2026

220

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 02/02/2026

Hello from our new CSO! With Dr. @jdlicht.bsky.social stepping into the role of president and chief scientific officer, VAI is focused on growth, collaboration and scientific impact. Here are a few areas you’ll see shaping our work: www.vai.org/article/hell...

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 15/01/2026

Drug-resistant fungal infections like Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans are on the rise. Recently, a team of scientists from VAI and @mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social identified a natural substance that may help a group of low-toxicity antifungal drugs work better. www.vai.org/article/flip...

111

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 12/11/2025

Congrats to Dr. Russell Jones for being named to this year’s @clarivate.com Highly Cited Researchers list — a distinction marking him as a leader in his field. Read more: vai.org/hcr-2025 #HighlyCited2025 @clarivateag.bsky.social

011

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 10/11/2025

Could a molecular “adhesive” help make a common antibiotic more effective? New findings published in @natcellbio.nature.com from Dr. Huilin Li and collaborators may pave the way for optimizing neomycin for broader use. Read more: www.vai.org/article/a-st...

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 26/09/2025

Research led by VAI scientists, published in @natcomms.nature.com, reveals the role of SMCHD1 in organizing our genetic code into “active” and “inactive” compartments. This process can have profound effects on health and disease. www.vai.org/article/dna-...

020

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 23/09/2025

Congratulations to our largest group of graduates to date! Seven incredible students recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School. This milestone achievement is an exciting step toward impactful careers in science.

031

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 17/09/2025

It's National Postdoc Appreciation Week! We are proud to recognize our stellar postdocs, whose curiosity and dedication help drive our mission to improve health and enhance lives. Thank you for your outstanding work! 💙 #NPAW2025 www.vai.org/research/pos...

021

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 09/09/2025

Congratulations to Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre, recipient of the 2025 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research! Dr. Greenamyre received the award today at the Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease symposium: www.vai.org/2025-jva-award

001

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 28/08/2025

We are thrilled to welcome 16 students into Van Andel Institute Graduate School's 19th student cohort!

061

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 16/07/2025

Van Andel Institute scientists have developed an improved technique to comprehensively profile DNA methylation in single cells, an advance that will help researchers better study the role of epigenetics in cancer and other diseases.‬ www.vai.org/article/van-...

131

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 26/06/2025

It is our pleasure to announce Eric L. Sturdy as Van Andel Institute’s Vice President of Philanthropy! Eric brings to this role more than 25 years of strategic fundraising leadership across community-based nonprofits, healthcare and higher education. Read more: www.vai.org/article/van-...

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 03/06/2025

Congratulations to Joe Floramo, Ph.D., and Nathan Spix, Ph.D., who recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School!

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 09/12/2024

Congratulations to VAI's Dr. Peter Jones, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and VAI’s Dr. Stephen Baylin, and Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Dr. Andrew Feinberg, who will receive the Harvey Prize for their groundbreaking work in cancer epigenetics! Read more: vai.org/harvey-prize

030

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 20/09/2024

New anti-cancer ‘degrader’ targets protein essential to infant leukemia: This side-by-side shows an untreated bone marrow sample (left) and a bone marrow sample after treatment with the cancer-fighting compound MS-41 (right). Read more: www.vai.org/article/new-...

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 19/09/2024

Please join us in celebrating Van Andel Institute Graduate School's 18th student cohort! They are, in alphabetical order: Braelyn Binkowski; Maxwell Frye; Ali Gamal; Yixiong Han; Renee Hoffman; Ava Jensen; Dahlya Kamarudin; Noah Lubben; Vinny Sartori; Ashlin Slanger; Le Tran; and Anika Weekes.

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 16/04/2024

Findings from VAI’s Henderson Lab, published in Nature Communications, identified a molecular “fingerprint” that marks brain cells vulnerable to Lewy bodies, key hallmarks of #Parkinsons & Lewy body dementia. The image depicts cells in yellow & pathology in magenta. www.vai.org/henderson-le...

000

Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 11/04/2024

For us, World Parkinson's Day means hope in action. Scientists at VAI and around the world are working hard to better understand the mechanisms behind the disease to develop treatments and improve quality of life. Learn more about PD research at VAI: www.vai.org/parkinsons-d...

010