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Cure Parkinson's @cureparkinsons.org.uk · 25/09/2026

Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute (VAI) are delighted to announce Dr Esther Sammler as the winner of the 2026 Tom Isaacs Award, which honours researchers who closely collaborate with the Parkinson’s community. Find out more: buff.ly/ZjrCLw5

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Eric Swindell @gradschooldean.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Van Andel Institute PhD program application is OPEN! Innovative curriculum/personalized academic support/generous financial support: $45,840 stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, laptop computer, $2,500/year for scientific conferences, relocation allowance. www.vai.org/graduate-sch...

vai.org

Graduate School

Learn more about at Van Andel Institute. Explore our in-depth resources and latest articles.

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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!

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Erin Williams, Ph.D. @erinwilliamsphd.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Now in its 15th year, Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease brings together scientists, clinicians and people with Parkinson’s to explore the latest advances and most pressing questions in Parkinson’s research. Please join us at @vai.org on Sept. 23-24! www.vai.org/event/2026-g...

vai.org

2026 Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease

Join us for 2026 Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease at Van Andel Institute Stay informed about exciting upcoming events and activities.

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Lempradl Lab @lempradllab.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Scientific careers are rarely linear, and mine is a good example. I am grateful to @natmetabolism.nature.com for publishing this series and making space for the many different paths, timelines and ways to build a scientific career. rdcu.be/fysBT #Drosophila #CareerPathways #WomenInSTEM #ScienceSky

rdcu.be

Career pathways, part 20

Nature Metabolism - Academic careers are shaped by scientific discovery, professional networks, mentorship and the challenges of balancing research with personal and professional responsibilities....

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 25/06/2026

For scientists, precision is everything. VAI recently installed a cryo-plasma-focused ion beam, a leading-edge technology that helps scientists see the innerworkings of cells and tissues in unprecedented detail. Read more: www.vai.org/article/cutt...

vai.org

Cutting thinner, seeing deeper: The power of cryo-PFIB – Van Andel Institute

Read about Cutting thinner, seeing deeper: The power of cryo-PFIB on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 23/06/2026

At VAI, Drs. Russell Jones and Evan Lien study how different types of cells use nutrients in different ways. Their work aims to develop targeted strategies that support immune cells while making cancer cells more vulnerable. Read more: www.vai.org/article/fuel...

vai.org

Fueling the fight against cancer – Van Andel Institute

Read about Fueling the fight against cancer on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 18/06/2026

Can the gut microbiome help prevent disease despite genetic risk? Using a microscopic worm model, Dr. Nick Burton’s lab is studying how certain microbes may help buffer the effects of disease-causing genetic variants. Read more: www.vai.org/article/a-gu...

vai.org

A gut feeling: How the microbiome may help protect against disease – Van Andel Institute

Read about A gut feeling: How the microbiome may help protect against disease on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

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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

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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

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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...

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Jonathan D. Licht, M.D. @jdlicht.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Exciting times at the 2026 #SU2CScientificSummit @su2c.bsky.social! Delighted to share that I’ve joined my friend Dr. Peter Jones as co-leader of the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team, which moves promising potential combination therapies for cancer into clinical trials.

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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...

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 30/12/2025

In 2025, VAI continued to build scientific momentum and drive discoveries that deepen our understanding of human health. Check out our year of research highlights! www.vai.org/article/refl...

vai.org

Reflecting on research: 2025 highlights – Van Andel Institute

Read about Reflecting on research: 2025 highlights on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 22/12/2025

Modestly limiting calories promotes the formation of ketones, which act as “fuel” for T cells, reports a study in @natmetabolism.nature.com by Dr. Rusty Jones & colleagues. The findings pave the way for developing diets to boost the effects of cancer immunotherapies. www.vai.org/article/stud...

vai.org

Study reveals how dietary restriction helps fuel cancer-fighting immune cells – Van Andel Institute

Read about Study reveals how dietary restriction helps fuel cancer-fighting immune cells on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and heal...

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Lempradl Lab @lempradllab.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

🧬🪰🐀🪱🧑‍🤝‍🧑Join me and my co-organizers @andrewpospisilik.bsky.social @nickburton.bsky.social Derek Jannssens and Piroska Szabó for the 2026 VAI Epigenetics Symposium @vai.org. The meeting is centered around phenotypic plasticity and variation. For more specific topics check: www.vai.org/event/2026-v...

2026 VAI Epigenetics Symposium, May 11-13, 2026

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 24/11/2025

Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Michael Dahabieh recently earned a prestigious award for his work on immunotherapies. His research aims to improve these treatments by identifying new ways to re-energize immune cells in their battle against cancer. Read more: www.vai.org/article/harn...

vai.org

Harnessing the immune system to combat cancer: A Q&A with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Michael Dahabieh – Van Andel Institute

Read about Harnessing the immune system to combat cancer: A Q&A with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Michael Dahabieh on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoverie...

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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

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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...

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 05/11/2025

VAI Graduate Student Yanqing Liu works to outsmart cancer by exploring the molecular tricks cancer cells use to survive. She recently received a prestigious award to support her research and contribute to the development of improved therapies. www.vai.org/article/figh...

vai.org

Fighting to outsmart cancer: A Q&A with graduate student Yanqing Liu – Van Andel Institute

Read about Fighting to outsmart cancer: A Q&A with graduate student Yanqing Liu on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

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Jonathan D. Licht, M.D. @jdlicht.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

I am excited to announce that after a decade of service to the U of Florida during which the @ufhealthcancer.bsky.social received NCI designation, in January 2026 I will be assuming the role of President and Chief Scientific Officer of the @vai.org. www.vai.org/article/emin...

vai.org

Eminent physician-scientist Dr. Jonathan D. Licht to serve as next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute – Van Andel Institute

Dr. Jonathan D. Licht has been selected as the next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute, effective January 2026.

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Eric Swindell @gradschooldean.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Van Andel Institute PhD program- App Deadline soon Innovative curriculum/personalized academic support/generous financial support: $44,635 stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, laptop computer, $2,500/year for scientific conferences, relocation allowance. www.vai.org/graduate-sch...

vai.org

Graduate School

Learn more about at Van Andel Institute. Explore our in-depth resources and latest articles.

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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-...

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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.

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 18/09/2025

This National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we’re inspired by stories like Dr. Agot Aleer’s. Her journey shows exactly what our postdoctoral program aims to be: a place where passion and opportunity come together to advance science. #NPAW25 www.vai.org/article/find...

vai.org

Finding a home in biomedical research – Van Andel Institute

Read about Finding a home in biomedical research on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

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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...

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Mike Henderson @mxhend.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Another graduate student defended! Congratulations, Dr. Goralski!

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Cure Parkinson's @cureparkinsons.org.uk · 15/09/2025

Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute (@vai.org) are delighted to announce Dr Matt Farrer as the winner of the 2025 Tom Isaacs Award, which honours researchers who closely collaborate with the Parkinson’s community. Find out more: buff.ly/a003fQj

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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

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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!

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Van Andel Institute (VAI) @vai.org · 26/08/2025

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Maulik Patel to VAI as an associate professor in our Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming. He will explore how cells maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and what happens when this process breaks down. www.vai.org/article/van-...

vai.org

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