Dr. Bas Heijmans, Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre.
Co-referee Prof. Bas Kemp, Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University.
Much of the research by Bas Heijmans involves the genetics of complex human traits like cardiovascular disease and longevity using candidate gene, linkage and, recently, genome-wide association studies. Such studies convince even the most hard-core genetic determinist that the DNA sequence is only part of the story. Another part is epigenetics, a highly promising but still frequently overlooked factor. Bas Heijmans is particularly fascinated by the long-term consequences of transient environmental conditions by their influence on epigenetic marks. In humans, this relationship can be studied in the unique Dutch Hunger Winter Study, which features individuals who were exposed to famine before they were born, six decades ago. His epigenetics research is, however, not limited to humans and includes studies in pigs (in collaboration with Animal Sciences, WUR) and in bees.
Zodiac academic lectures are an initiative of the Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University.
On every first Tuesday of the month, an invited speaker will present a topic related to animal sciences.
Speaker and topic will, and are meant to, provoke discussion among the audience of staff, postdocs, PhD and MSc students, and guests.
Drinks after the presentation and discussion.