First Clinical Faculty Professors appointed at UMC Utrecht

Marianne Verhaar

The Executive Board of UMC Utrecht has appointed Marianne Verhaar as Clinical Faculty Professor. This honorary new role recognizes clinically active professors with an exceptional track record. The appointment comes with funding that allows her to spend more time on research. 

Prof. Dr. Marianne Verhaar (nephrologist) has an impressive, long-standing record of internationally leading and clinically relevant research, in line with UMC Utrecht鈥檚 Connecting Worlds strategy.

A nephrologist with a grand vision 

For many years, Marianne Verhaar has distinguished herself with her pioneering work on better alternatives to dialysis and kidney transplantation. Her ultimate goal is to develop an implantable kidney using the patient鈥檚 own cells to restore kidney function. Although this is still a future ambition, Marianne has made significant progress as a nephrologist, professor, and scientific director of the strategic research program Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells. Last year, her work was recognized with a prestigious NWO Summit Grant for DRIVE-RM. Over the next 10 years, this consortium will focus on advancing materials-driven regeneration to better treat chronic diseases, including kidney failure.

Strengthening the research ambition 

UMC Utrecht aims to excel in clinically relevant research that improves daily practice in its strategic research programs. To support this goal, clinicians who combine care, management, and teaching with excellent clinical research are encouraged and enabled to make a difference through their work. The Executive Board has therefore provided stimulus funding for three clinically active professors to devote more time to internationally leading research. 

Prof. Dr. Leonard van den Berg (neurologist) has also been appointed as Clinical Faculty Professor. As Professor of Experimental Neurology and coordinator of the ALS Center, he has long been committed to improving diagnostics, treatment, and research for ALS.
 
Clinical Faculty Professors can allocate an additional 40% of their time to clinical research. Alongside Marianne and Leonard, there is room for one more Clinical Faculty Professor. In the first quarter of 2025, in collaboration with the divisions and strategic research programs, a third candidate will be selected.