Latest news in MODEM

Annual Consortium Meeting, Spring 2026

The meeting was opened by consortium leader Guus Smit, who provided an introductory overview of the consortium's recent achievements and strategic transition toward the next phase, MODEM-2. Since the October meeting in Maastricht, core steering committee activities focused on submitting the 2025 annual report, hosting a successful progress evaluation visit from the ZonMW committee, and advancing societal outreach—notably through a student-led multimodal review article on blood-brain barrier (BBB) markers and engagement with the D-CAA patient society.

PhD & Postdoc Pillar presentations

During the first block of Christiaan Huffels (UMC Utrecht) demonstrated the utility of long-term human brain organoid slice cultures (ALI-COs) as human-relevant alternatives to traditional animal models, utilizing them to characterize functional astrocytic networks.

Expanding on astrocytic pathology, Cristina Boers Escuder (VU Amsterdam / CNCR) detailed how structural intermediate filaments suppress baseline protein translation, serving as a key molecular driver that mediates early-stage cognitive decline.

Jannis Heuer (Amsterdam UMC) utilized a large-scale multi-omics approach to map Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) dysfunction—specifically Capillary Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (capCAA).

Finally, Lieuwe Verkaar (Radboud UMC) shifted focus toward macro-level physiological clearance by discussing the use of water Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to track real-time fluid dynamics and glymphatic system functionality during sleep.

During the second block, Lynn van Olst (UMC Groningen) opened the session by demonstrating how high-definition spatial transcriptomics can map immune-mediated clearance mechanisms in immunized Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains.

Thije Willems (UvA) then transitioned to synaptic networks, illustrating how amyloid pathology disrupts stable memory circuits.

Shifting toward non-invasive diagnostic methodologies, Ivana Kancheva (LUMC) introduced a novel pseudo-Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pCASL) MRI technique to monitor blood-to-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier functionality in vivo.

Finally, Betty Tijms (Amsterdam UMC) addressed overall clinical translation by utilizing CSF proteomics to stratify Alzheimer's disease into five distinct molecular subtypes, underscoring the critical need for precision medicine and tailored therapeutic pipelines within future MODEM initiatives.

Special Guest Presentations

This MODEM Consortium Meeting welcomed again engaging guests to share their research which led to many lively discussions. 

Guest presenter Katherine Bassil, PhD, addressed the integration of neuroethics in fundamental research, examining how scientists evaluate the scientific and social values of advanced dementia models.

Data Management Coordinator Didi Lamers introduced the DEMPACT initiative, emphasizing how promoting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data management improves research integrity, reproducibility, and statistical power across dementia research.

Guest presenter Harold MacGillavry detailed his lab's work on resolving the molecular organization of synapses to uncover the mechanisms driving selective synapse vulnerability in Alzheimer’s disease.

Towards MODEM 2

Looking forward, the proposed MODEM-2 framework received excellent external review scores and is projected to start in September 2026, running in parallel with the current MODEM phase until late 2027 to ensure a seamless transfer of skills and knowledge. Guus highlighted that MODEM-2 will be refining innovative cellular models for specific patient subtypes, investigating early synaptic network disruptions, adapting advanced neuroimaging and brain clearance measurements for home settings, and integrating the massive, large-scale datasets generated across the consortium's research pillars.

MODEM Graduate School, Spring 2026

Students gathered at VU Amsterdam for an intensive and inspiring session of the MODEM and YOD-Molecular graduate school. The program offered a deep dive into the full spectrum of brain research—from the ethical intricacies of donation to the cutting-edge molecular study of neurodegeneration.

MODEM Graduate School, Fall 2025

In November, PhD candidates from the MODEM and YOD-Molecular consortia met at the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam for a joint Graduate School afternoon. The programme offered an in-depth look at dementia research from clinical, molecular, and translational angles.

The session opened with a clinical case study on neurodegeneration, providing a valuable introduction to diagnostic reasoning in practice. This was followed by a presentation on CSF proteome profiling in frontotemporal dementia and related disorders, offering insight into current biomarker developments. Participants also had the opportunity to tour the biomarker laboratory and the Alzheimer Center, gaining first-hand exposure to the clinical environment in which many of these research questions originate.

The final lecture explored emerging trial strategies in Alzheimer’s disease, connecting cellular mechanisms to future therapeutic approaches. Throughout the afternoon, discussions with colleagues from both consortia and the Alzheimer Center underscored the importance of bringing clinical and experimental perspectives together.

Annual Consortium Meeting, Fall 2025

In October 2025, the MODEM consortium came together for a full-day meeting at Kasteel Vaeshartelt in Maastricht. The day opened with research presentations from several partners, offering an overview of recent progress across the consortium. A dedicated session on neuroethics followed, highlighting the ethical responsibilities and considerations that accompany our work in dementia research.

A memorable part of the meeting was the pair of structured debates. These sessions prompted lively discussion on two central topics in the field:

• The integration of vascular biomarkers and advanced neuroimaging into routine Alzheimer’s screening
• The extent to which patient-derived iPSCs and other experimental models may replace traditional animal models.

Both debates illustrated the breadth of expertise within MODEM and encouraged constructive exchange between researchers at different stages and disciplines. The work of Katherine Bassel showed how junior and senior scientists may have different views on science and the impact of their work – interesting lessons to be learned - The afternoon continued with a second round of scientific presentations, closing the meeting on a forward-looking note to MODEM 2. The discussions and input gathered during this meeting already helped to guide our collective efforts in preparing for the next phase of MODEM.

MODEM Graduate School, Spring 2025

In May this year, the PhD students of the MODEM Graduate School joined the program at the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, for an afternoon focused on AI in research and health care.

Several speakers were invited, such as:

• Esther Bron (EMC), who spoke about using machine learning in imaging and improving diagnosis, as part of the TAP-dementia consortium.
• Gennady Roshchupkin (EMC), who showed us hands-on tips and practical tools to use AI in research and data analysis
• Jeroen van Rooij (EMC) took us along in bioinformatics and his expertise in genomics

Special thanks to Ana Rajicic (EMC) for the organizational support!

Annual Consortium Meeting, Spring 2025

On April 16, we gathered at the Lumen Hotel & Events in Zwolle for the biannual MODEM consortium meeting, and we look back on a very productive and inspiring day. During the day, we covered presentations such as:

• Aliëtte Jonkers, medical journalist and guest speaker, delivered an impactful talk on communication in dementia research. Emphasizing the need for strong collaboration between journalists and scientists, she called for “radical transparency” —sharing nuanced findings responsibly and fostering open dialogue with the public.
• Project presentations by Georgia Malliou, Ambika Mahajan, Hans Christian Rundfeldt, Assia Tiane, and Lena Václavu.

To cap off the day, we hosted the Mix & Match brainstorm sessions to think about new ideas, projects, and approaches for a second phase of MODEM.

MODEM Graduate School, Fall 2024

In November, the MODEM PhD students were invited for the MODEM Graduate School at Leiden UMC. This time, the focus of this Graduate School was on “Using imaging in diagnostics” . We invited several speakers for this sessions, including prof. Mark van Buchem, neuroradiologist at LUMC. He explained how imaging can help us in the diagnosis of dementia, and the importance of age in this equation. Dr. Philip Kremer, research director Neurology at CHDR, explained the process of clinical trials regarding neurodegenerative disease, highlighting the gap between scientists and clinicians. 

Thanks to our colleagues at the LUMC, a tour around the MRI imaging center (C.J.

Gortercentrum) was organized. Here, the 7T MRI was demonstrated and explained, were the PhD

students could experience the (magnetic) power of the scanner. Moreover, the concept of low-field MRI was explained, including its practical use in acute situations. Very pleased to report that no one got hurt in the demonstration using scissors near the 7T MRI!

At last, Marie Vermeiren, PhD student at AUMC, presented her work on using PET imaging in

improving the diagnosis of AD.

Annual Consortium Meeting, Fall 2024

Early in October 2024, we got together again for our biannual MODEM consortium meeting, this time located at UMC Utrecht with a full house! The program started with two presentations from our great postdocs Nienke de Wit (AUMC, pillar 3) and Femke Feringa (VU, pillar1), who gave us an update of

their great work. Next, we moved on to quick rounds of Pecha Kucha-based presentations by the PhD students, as they presented their recent work in a short time frame. After the break, we continued with the debate, where Elly Hol (UMCU, pillar 1) took her place in the discussion around the role of microglia in dementia, and a great discussion it was! Then, guest speaker and ZonMw Memorabel Fellow Mohit Dubey (NIN) enthusiastically presented his work. At last, the PhD students closed of with a last round of Pecha Kuchas.

MODEM Graduate School 2023

November 9th 2023, VU Amsterdam

On November 9th, we had our first edition of the MODEM Graduate School at VU Amsterdam. In this edition, the theme was the Clinical Diagnosis of Dementia. At the Graduate School, we invite speakers for an interactive talk about their work relating to the theme. Every edition, a new theme is highlighted. In this edition, dr. Niek Verwey (MCL), dr. Nina Fransen (AUMC), and dr. Inge Verberk (AUMC) were given the stage.

Helena Durrant (PhD student): "My main takeaway was just how varied the clinical presentation of dementia can be and thus the complexities of determining a diagnosis. Although I will not directly study many of the biomarkers mentioned, it was useful for me to understand the current methods of diagnosis and then consider how, in the context of my project, subtle BBB breakdown may one day be included as an early biomarker in this complex process. Of course, it was great to continue making connections with the other MODEM “graduates” and there were lots of engaging discussions after each presentation. I am thoroughly looking forward to the next graduate school meeting!“

Group picture after the Graduate School, during lunch at LIVING Café, VU

Annual Consortium Meeting 2023

October 19th 2023, Leerhotel het Klooster in Amersfoort

On October 19th, we held our first annual consortium meeting, where we came together at Leerhotel het Klooster in Amersfoort. Our PhD students, more senior reseachers and PIs all came together to discuss our progress so far.

Our PhD students presented their projects, where some have been working on since the kick-off meeting in March this year, and some just have started a few months later. In the afternoon, we had the pleasure to hear presentations from dr. Niek Verwey and dr. Katherine Bassil.

Verwey is a biochemist and practising neurologist at Medical Center Leeuwarden, and has a great interest in both academia and the clinic. Together with Verwey, we are setting up the MODEM Graduate School, a biannual gathering for PhD students with the aim to connect their research to the clinic and the patient. 

Bassil is a postdoctoral researcher at Julius Center Utrecht, where she is specialized in neuroethics. Within MODEM, Bassil will set up the e-MODEM study, where she will investigate the scientific and societal rationale of researchers who work with different models in dementia research.

We look back on a day filled with great discussions, new ideas, and thought-provoking presentations by our colleagues!

Read more about our kick-off meeting on LinkedIn.

Group picture of the MODEM consortium on October 19, 2023, at the consortium meeting.

Veni grant awarded to MODEM researcher Femke Feringa

August 4, 2023

The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded Veni funding to 188 promising researchers, including Femke Feringa (CNCR at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam). This will allow the her to further develop their own research ideas over the next three years.

In the Veni-research project Femke will study how the Alzheimer risk mutation APOE4 contributes to senescence (cell aging) in human astrocytes generated from induced pluripotent stem cells. As senescence might contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, targeting senescent cells in the brain can be a promising therapeutic strategy in the future.

Cell aging in Alzheimer's disease: the key to therapy

"Around 40 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) worldwide. Fundamental understanding of the origin of this disease is still lacking and hence no curative treatment is currently available. Carriers of the risk mutation APOE4 have a 14-fold increased chance of developing AD. In addition, accumulating senescent (aged) cells have been suggested to contribute to AD development. In this study, I will generate astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells to study how the AD risk mutation APOE4 contributes to senescence in these supportive brain cells. The mechanistic insights obtained can be used to target senescence as a therapeutic strategy for AD."

Senescence is one of the main hallmarks of aging, characterized by irreversible cell cycle exit and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype. The term senescence was originally defined in the field of oncology, yet an increase in senescent cells has also been described in the AD brain. Importantly, removal of senescent cells in AD mouse models alleviated AD pathology suggesting a role in disease development. The major AD risk gene APOE4 (Apolipoprotein) alters lipid and immune metabolism in glia, yet it is unknown how this mutation contributes to AD development. The preliminary results of Femke's work hint at the interesting possibility that E4 compared to E3 (the reference allele) contributes to senescence induction in astrocytes.

Read more on the website of Amsterdam Neuroscience

Kick-off meeting MODEM!

March 28, 2023

On March 1st, we had our first annual meeting of MODEM, the kick-off! In this meeting, all researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and other involved staff was gathered at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. On this day, we got together with the different research groups, and presented our work and future projects with our colleagues. It was an inspiring day, with many great things and exiting projects to come!

Read more about our kick-off meeting on LinkedIn, Amsterdam Neuroscience, and CNCR.