Embracing Change for Progress
Welcome to the Annual Report 2022 of the Human Genetics Department at Amsterdam UMC
In 2022, our department members bravely and successfully overcame many difficulties while navigating the post-Covid ‘return to normal’. Despite changes in leadership and changes in locations for many staff members, we realized many accomplishments.
Our accomplishments include:
- Meeting our production targets and achieving a positive financial result.
- Publishing numerous scientific works in high-impact journals and winning awards of scientific excellence.
- Successfully competing for research funding.
- Celebrating 17 PhD graduates who obtained their doctoral degrees.
- Expanding our professorial staff with the appointments of Prof. Mieke van Haelst, Prof. Erik Sistermans, and Prof. Bekim Sadikovic.
It is in our hearts: Care, education, and research
Our department has grown into a large team of over 400 employees who are deeply embedded in the local and international medical and research communities. We are proud of our staff, who work tirelessly to provide excellent patient care, conduct groundbreaking research, and teach the next generation of genetics experts. We owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of them.
Changes in leadership
I want to acknowledge the accomplished leadership of Prof. Hans Meij. Over the past three years, Hans fostered unity among sections and staff members as he oversaw the integration of various sections of the department. Together with the Human Genetics Executive Board and Management Team, he guided the department in becoming a leading center for genetic research and clinical care, at the forefront of efforts to understand the genetic basis of complex diseases and develop new approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Embracing change
As we continue to navigate the challenges of merging various sections within the department, it is important to keep our focus on the end goal of creating a unified and successful organization that maximizes the value for our patients. This will require open communication, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt to new processes and ways of working. By approaching this merger with a commitment to continuous improvement, we can overcome any obstacles that arise and emerge stronger as a result. Together, we can create a culture of innovation and excellence that sets us apart.
Together, we are Human Genetics Amsterdam UMC, and together we are embracing change for progress.
On behalf of the Management Team of the Human Genetics department,
Prof. Marcel Mannens, ad interim department head of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC.

Left to right: Dr. Rob Wolthuis, Rogier Postma, Prof. Lidewij Henneman, Prof. Erik Sistermans, Dr. Henne Holstege, Dr. Petra Zwijnenburg, Prof. Martina Cornel, José Roest
The Human Genetics Management Team: Prof. Arthur Bergen, Bianca Heijdra, Dr. Dimitra Micha, Dr. Eline Nannenberg, Prof. Erik Sistermans, Dr. Henne Holstege, José Roest, Prof. Lidewij Henneman, Prof. Marcel Mannens, Prof. Martina Cornel, Prof. Matthijs Verhage, Prof. Mieke van Haelst, Dr. Petra Zwijnenburg, Dr. Rob Wolthuis, and Rogier Postma.
The Human Genetics Executive Board: Prof. Erik Sistermans, José Roest, Prof. Marcel Mannens, Prof. Mieke van Haelst, Dr. Rob Wolthuis, and Rogier Postma. Alternate Board Members: Bianca Heijdra, Prof. Lidewij Henneman, Dr. Petra Zwijnenburg.
