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I am Carel Hoyng, born 11 januari in Vlaardingen, full professor in Ophthalmology (Macular degeneration), Department of Ophthalmology.
Where do you live?
I live in Nijmegen with my wife Monique (our children, Job and Tessa study space engineering and econometrics respectivily)
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your child years?
I was fascinated by the films of Jacques Cousteau and wanted to be a deep-sea diver. From my 12th birthday on I was fascinated by biology and wanted to become a docter.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
I studied medicine in Rotterdam and did my PhD during my residency in Nijmegen.
Of which of your research discoveries, you are most proud of?
Together with other researchers I found one of the first mutations in a inherited macular disease. We described new inherited retinal diseases and contributed to the knowledge of genetics in age-related macular degeneration.
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
To contribute to the development of a cure for inherited blindness in young people.
What is your favorite topic: molecules - patients - population?
Patients
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
Much less ‘publish or parish’. Think about science as a team effort. The team should be rewarded, not the individual.
More vision and strategy, less egocentric exposure in the media.
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
No
What is the thing that irritates you most?
Intolerance
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
Herbie Hancock, jazz pianist, who played with all the famous ones. Must know a lot of good stories
How do you relax from the demanding job being a scientist?
Listen to music, cooking and play golf.
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
Enjoy what you are doing. Realize why you are doing things.
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of?
