Team

Niels Eijkelkamp

Principal Investigator / Full Professor

Niels Eijkelkamp (18-07-1980) is PI at the laboratory of translational immunology. His research focusses on chronic pain, a major debilitating disease that affects >20% of the population. He aims to unravel mechanisms and to identify novel treatments of chronic pain by elucidating the role of the immune system and its interactions with the nervous system in chronic pain. His group is one of the very few groups in the Netherlands studying the mechanisms underlying pain.

His group uses different experimental approaches to unravel molecular pain mechansims and identify novel treatment approaches with the ultimate aim to translate these basic research findings to chronic pain patients such as children with Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis and adults with chronic inflammatory disease and osteoarthtis.

Hanneke L.D.M. Willemen, PhD

Principal Investigator / Assistant Professor

I studied biotechnology (molecular/cellular biology) at Wageningen University. Here I developed my passion to understand how molecular changes affect cellular functions and disease. Chronic pain is a large underrecognized problem, with little research attention. This motivated me to do a PhD in the field of neuro-immunology at Utrecht University to unravel which perturbed molecular pathways drive chronic pain and find novel targets to treat chronic pain. With a Veni fellowship from NWO I started to investigate how mitochondrial/metabolic alterations are linked to chronic pain in pre-clinical models. Currently I am investigating how an altered neurometabolism in humans links to post-viral induced chronic pain, with the help of a Vidi fellowship. Additionally, I am a PI on an interdisciplinary team “to defeat chronic pain” and on a project about long-COVID (funded by the long-COVID stichting and PCNN) to study whether autoantibodies drive neuroinflammation and neurological symptoms.

Judith Prado

Senior Researcher

I am originally from Barcelona, where I completed a PhD in Neurosciences at the Institute for
Biotechnology and Biomedicine, part of the Autonomous University of Barcelona. My doctoral research focused on the regulation of neuroinflammation through cGMP-mediated pathways. During this time, I worked with mouse models of local brain lesions and Multiple Sclerosis, which deepened my interest in neuroimmune communication under both healthy and pathological conditions.
In 2014, I joined the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) as a postdoctoral researcher in the Neuroimmunology of Pain group. There, I worked on the “Synerkine” project, investigating the potential of fusion proteins combining regulatory cytokines to treat various types of chronic pain, including inflammatory and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Throughout my time in the lab, I have contributed to several collaborative projects within the CTI, as well as with researchers from other universities. I am currently involved in a VICI grant project, where we are investigating immune-neuronal crosstalk and the metabolic regulation essential for the successful resolution of inflammatory pain.

Leire Almandoz Gil

Assistant Researcher

Translational research in neuroscience with the goal of bringing new treatments to patients has been the focus of my career. After studying biotechnology in Valencia, Spain, I moved to Sweden where I specialized in molecular medicine. I remained at Uppsala University for my PhD on the effects of the aggregation of protein alpha-synuclein in the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients. I continued researching new therapeutic targets against Parkinson’s disease during my time as a Postdoc at the Neuroscience department of Yale University, USA.

As part of the Neuroimmunology of Pain team at UMC Utrecht, I am currently developing a new class of drug called synerkines against chronic pain, together with UMCU spin-off company Synerkine Pharma. Synerkines are fusion proteins of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which work synergistically and can promote long-term resolution of pain through a unique mode of action.

Chilam Chan, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Neuroimmunology of Pain group at UMC Utrecht, where I investigate the role of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) in neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. My research aims to understand the underlying disease mechanisms and to develop antibody-based therapeutics to prevent or treat diabetic neuropathy.

During my PhD at the Center for Translational Immunology (UMC Utrecht), I focused on engineering and optimizing IgA antibodies for cancer immunotherapy, which provided me with a strong foundation in therapeutic antibody development and translational research, which I now apply in the context of neuropathy.

Sara Vieira Gonçalves

Postdoctoral Researcher

I am a postdoctoral researcher investigating how synerkines can prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and cognitive impairments commonly referred to as “chemobrain.” My PhD was focused in studying the link between osteoarthritis and cognitive deficits (University of Nottingham, UK). As a Pain centre Versus Arthritis Postdoctoral Fellow in the UK, I studied how prior opioid exposure may lead to worse pain phenotype in osteoarthritis. My passion for pain research began during my BSc in Applied Biology and MSc in Health Sciences at Universidade do Minho, Portugal, where I was involved in the investigation of the role of infralimbic astrocytes in descending modulation of pain.

Emma Tondeur

Postdoctoral Researcher

I’m a post-doctoral researcher specializing in the study of a mitochondrial protein, ATPSc-KMT, and its critical role in chronic pain development. I started my academic journey at University College Roosevelt in Middelburg, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and life science. I continued my studies with a Master’s in Infection and Immunity at Utrecht University.

My PhD research at the department of Immunology at the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam focused on identifying novel mechanisms within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation pathway and cross-presentation. Currently, I’m working in Dr. Niels Eijkelkamp’s group, where I primarily focus on elucidating the role of ATPSc-KMT in macrophage metabolism upon activation and the subsequent crosstalk with sensory neurons.

Sabine Versteeg

Senior Technician

During my studies in Animal Care and Biotechnology at ROC Utrecht, I began an internship at the Utrecht Animal Facility (GDL). During this time, I applied for a position in the GDL’s SPF (Specific Pathogen-Free) breeding section. I subsequently worked as a biotechnician across several departments within the facility.

After 15 years in this role, I was ready for a new challenge and, in 2012, I joined the NIDOD as a lab technician in the Pain Research Group. I later transitioned to the Neuroimmunology of Pain Group at UMC Utrecht, where I currently work with rodents in various in vivo experiments focused on chronic pain.

My primary research areas are Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) and Post-COVID pain and fatigue. In addition to these core topics, I provide support in other pain studies and am actively involved in training and assessing colleagues in new animal procedures.

In 2024, I was promoted to Senior Technician. In this role, I am expanding my focus to include more wet lab work alongside my ongoing in vivo studies.

Zumaya Abdi

Research technician

I am a research technician in the Neuroimmunology of Pain research group, where I focus on investigating the biological mechanisms behind pain resolution. Our research studies how specific immune and metabolic changes might be linked to the transition from acute to chronic pain.

I obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Biology from Radboud University. Throughout my education, I developed a strong interest in understanding how the immune system shapes human health and disease. Through my work, I hope to contribute to new insights that lead to better treatments and improve the quality of life for people living with chronic conditions.

Ruby

Research Technician

I started studying Allround Laborant at ROC Midden Nederland. During my studies, I did two internships, both at the RIVM, where I discovered my interest in immunology. After that I went on to do a Bachelor’s in Biologie en Medisch Laboratoriumonderzoek at the University of Applied Sciences in Leiden.

As part of the Erasmus program in 2023, I spent a semester in Umeå, Sweden, where I took courses in Molecular Genetics and Physiology. After my exchange, I joined the NeuroImmunology of Pain group for a 9-month internship, where I worked on improving the mitochondrial heath in neuronal cells, which might help reduce chronic pain.

After graduating, I got the opportunity to stared working as a research technician. Right now, I work on a project with the company Moebius Medical, where we investigate the effect of liposomes on the immune system and their role in contributing to the relief of chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Fanny

Research Technician

I studied biology at the University of Bordeaux in France, and as part of my studies, I took part in an Erasmus exchange at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. This experience strengthened my interest in laboratory research, immunology and cellular biology. In 2020, I joined the Neuroimmunology of Pain team at UMC Utrecht as a research technician. I initially worked on developing fusion proteins aimed at treating chronic pain. Over time, my focus shifted toward investigating immune cell function, particularly in the context of QFS (Q-fever Fatigue Syndrome), ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), and post-COVID conditions. I became a senior technician in 2024, and today my work combines expertise in wet lab techniques with supporting colleagues and helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the lab.

Erik Helmer Duarte Lopes

Research Technician

I’m a Research Technician in the Neuroimmunology of Pain research group, where I contribute to investigating the mechanisms underlying chronic pain. My academic background is in Molecular Life Sciences, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in that field. Before my current role, I was a Laboratory Technician at Bayer Crop Science for 1.5 years, where I gained laboratory experience and a strong technical foundation. My passion for understanding the complex processes that govern biological systems is what drew me toward this area of research.

In my role, I contribute to the design of experiments, perform laboratory procedures, and aid in data analysis — all with the aim of uncovering how neuroimmune interactions influence pain pathways. I take great pride in being a valued member of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team that ultimately thrives to improve the lives of those affected by chronic pain conditions.

Virginia Vergani

PhD Candidate

After completing my bachelor degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Surrey, UK, I completed my master’s degree in Neuroscience at King’s College London, UK, where I developed my interest in investigating neuro-immune interactions in pain. To improve my research skills, I also worked as a research assistant at King’s College London, UK, where I worked on a project investigating autophagy impairment in epilepsy and neurodegeneration.

I am now a PhD candidate for the BonePainIII doctoral network at the Neuroimmunology of Pain group. My project investigates pain in osteoarthritis. On one side, I investigate pain in a cohort of patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis. On the other, I am investigating the role that the complement system plays in osteoarthritis pain.

Femke de Krom

PhD Candidate

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, I pursued a Master’s in Fundamental Neuroscience at Maastricht University, where I developed a strong interest in the connection between neuroscience and immunology. I am currently doing a PhD as part of the McHELP project, focusing on the interaction between immune cells and neurons during the resolution of inflammatory pain, together with PhD student Marije Voskamp (Inhibitory Receptor Lab).

Marte Dros

PhD candidate

My fascination with disease mechanisms began during my Bachelor’s in Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University & Research. This interest led me to pursue a Master’s in Medical Biotechnology, where I deepened my understanding of biomedical science. In April 2024, I began my PhD in the Neuroimmunology of Pain group at UMC Utrecht. My research focuses on uncovering the pathophysiological mechanisms behind Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-COVID conditions. To support this work, we are establishing a paediatric cohort of children aged 8 to 18 years at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital.

Catherine van den Berg

PhD Candidate

I am a PhD candidate at the Plastic surgery department of the University Medical Center Utrecht/UU and maintain a close collaboration with neuro-immunology and pathology within our university hospital. Our research focuses on better understanding why a neuroma becomes painful, so that we can acquire targets for new treatment options. Pain due to neuroma formation occurs in 8% of Europeans and has a major impact on daily functioning. For several years I have been involved in research and I have trained my (micro-)surgical skills in the clinic, so I am now happy to use this experience in this translational research program with many (micro-)surgical components.

Muriel Zanicolo

PhD Candidate

I am a PhD candidate in the Neuroimmunology of Pain group at UMC Utrecht. I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology at the University of Regensburg, Germany, where I developed my interest in neuroscience. My PhD project is embedded in the BonePainIII doctoral network, for which I am focusing on the treatment of chronic pain, more specifically of osteoarthritis. Currently, I am investigating the involvement of immune cells in pain-resolution pathways.

Sander van der Ven

Research Technician

After completing a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, I pursued a master’s degree in biotechnology focused on medical biotechnology at Wageningen University. During my time there, I developed a strong interest in the immunological and molecular aspects of health and disease. I moved into industry after graduation, working for more than 5 years at Polpharma Biologics as a research technician within Cell Line Development. My employment there ensured I solidified my laboratory and technical experiences. My passion for fundamental research and desire to better understand the complex biological systems that drive health and disease drove me back towards academia. As such, I joined the Neuroimmunology of Pain group in late 2025 to aid in the investigation of immune-neuronal cross talk in the context of chronic pain resolution. My tasks include contributing to experimental design, performing experiments, and aiding in data analysis. In addition, I help in the day-to-day running of the lab to ensure that we can better elucidate the molecular and immunological mechanisms that drive chronic pain.

Gerben Nijdam

Intern

During my bachelor’s in Biology at Utrecht University, I became fascinated by the molecular and cellular mechanisms that keep us alive, especially those of the immune system. That curiosity led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Infection and Immunity, also at Utrecht University. As part of this programme, I am currently undertaking a nine-month internship with the Neuroimmunology of Pain group. Here I am investigating in vitro assays to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of synerkines for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Emma Mulder

Intern

During my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Utrecht University, I developed a strong interest in both the immune system and neuroscience. To further explore these fields, I enrolled in the Master’s programme Infection & Immunity and found an internship position within the Neuro-Immunology of Pain research group. I am currently doing a nine-month internship under the supervision of Femke de Krom. We are developing an in vitro optogenetics model to study the interaction between macrophages and neurons. Through this research, we hope to gain new insights into this interaction and its potential role in chronic pain.