Prof. Roos Masereeuw has been appointed vice-dean of research at the Faculty of Science. Her term will start at 1 February 2023. Masereeuw is affiliated with Utrecht University as professor of Experimental Pharmacology and scientific director of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS).
As vice-dean of research, Roos Masereeuw will promote the interests of the 12 research institutes within the Faculty of Science. Furthermore, she will focus on the faculty’s strategies around interdisciplinary collaborations and research on societal challenges. Additionally, a key focus is the development around recognition and rewards for employees and their work.
"In my new position, I aim to strengthen research ties within and outside the Faculty of Science," says Masereeuw. "For example, Utrecht University’s strategic themes and communities are driving forces for inspiring collaborations. I look forward to establishing this further."
Masereeuw was selected after an open vacancy for this position. A selection committee reviewed all applications and provided a recommendation to Isabel Arends, dean of the Faculty of Science. Based on this recommendation, the dean decided to appoint Masereeuw as vice-dean of research. The committee was composed of two research directors, a doctoral candidate and the head of Research Policy at Utrecht University.
"I am very much looking forward to collaborating with Roos," Arends said. "As vice-dean, she is going to play a key role in the many developments concerning our faculty. She has an impressive track-record as a scientist, institute director, active member of the Life Sciences strategic theme, national leader of nation-wide sector plans for pharmaceutical sciences, and in other roles. I expect that she will also fulfill her new role with great determination."
Masereeuw has been professor of Experimental Pharmacology at Utrecht University since 2015. She also serves as scientific director of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), the research institute of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is considered an expert in the field of renal pharmacology and the development of biological artificial kidneys. In addition, her research group develops in vitro systems that can mimic patient’s organs. Physiologically, these systems should replicate human organ functions in health and disease, and provide platforms for development aimed at treating or replacing failing tissues. The models may also be suitable as alternatives to animal testing.