Research Mission GENERAte
GENERAte aims to advance precision medicine for individuals affected by genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders through integrative, translational research. By combining deep clinical phenotyping, cutting-edge genomic technologies, and functional modeling, we seek to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying complex brain disorders and translate these insights into improved diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized care.
Our mission is driven by three complementary pillars of expertise:
1. Genetic Epilepsies led by Prof. Dr. Sarah Weckhuysen: her work focuses on identifying novel disease genes and mechanisms in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), using patient-derived iPSC models, organoids, and advanced electrophysiological platforms to bridge bench-to-bedside innovation.
2. Malformations of Cortical Development and Cerebrovascular Disorders under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Marije Meuwissen and Prof. Dr. Anna Jansen, we apply transcriptome-directed approaches and whole genome sequencing to solve unsolved cases of brain malformations and investigate the genetic basis of cerebral palsy and vascular anomalies, with a focus on autophagy and microtubule dynamics.
3. Translational Pediatric Neurology: Prof. Dr. Anna Jansen brings expertise in neurogenetics, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and participatory research. Her work integrates clinical trials, policy-shaping diagnostics, and multidisciplinary care models to improve outcomes for children with rare neurodevelopmental conditions.
Together, we foster a collaborative ecosystem that spans genomics, neurobiology, clinical care, and ethical innovation, with the goal of empowering families and transforming the future of pediatric neurology.
