NL
DE
My name is Edo Richard. I was born in the Netherlands in 1976. I work as a neurologist at the department of Neurology. My research focuses on the vascular component of dementia, with a strong clinical focus. Due to the nature of my research, with links to population health, primary care and brain diseases, I don’t fit very well in a single theme, but my formal residence is ‘Disorders of Movement’.
Where do you live and with whom?
I live in the lively Spijkerkwartier in Arnhem with my girlfriend, who is a general practitioner and post-doc researcher at Radboudumc and our two boys of 7 and 11 years old. We also live a little bit in the even more lively ‘De Pijp’ in Amsterdam, where we enjoy everything a multicultural city has to offer.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your childhood years?
At one point I wanted to become an architect. But I am not good at drawing.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
My study in Chemistry was not a success, mainly because I missed the human factor, which I have very much found in becoming a medical doctor. I studied at the University of Amsterdam. I was drawn to the big city for its diversity, which I still appreciate.
Which of your research discoveries are you most proud of?
A study in which we showed that, from a clinical perspective, adding a biomarker test to the results of a memory test does not improve the prediction of who will develop dementia. I had a hard time getting this paper published, with some reviewers suggesting the order should have been reversed – asking what a memory test would add to a lumbar puncture. As a doctor, I was flabbergasted by this world-upside-down suggestion.
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
Designing the randomized controlled trial to prevent cognitive decline and dementia that will truly make the difference.
If you could choose any mentor, who would it be?
The same one I have had for a long time: Professor Pim van Gool. He always finds the perfect balance between providing support, whilst encouraging you to shape your own opinions. Although our professional paths have partly separated, we still collaborate intensively and he continues to inspire me.
What is your favorite topic: molecules - patients - population?
As a clinician: patients - as a scientist: population.
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
The reward system.
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
A challenging hike up a mountain to see the sunrise
What is the thing that irritates you most?
The seemingly infinite trust in numbers. The assumption that once you have measured something and put it in a number you have solved the question, is a major fallacy.
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
Any scientist who argued against the prevailing dogmas of the time – often risking their own career (and life).
How do you relax from the demanding job of being a scientist?
Being a clinician. The variety of my job as clinical scientist is fantastic. I never get bored. Outside my job I love to be outside and travel. Taking my kids to far away countries with a different culture. Their open, unprejudiced way of approaching new situations and people is simply unbeatable.
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
Stay critical. Always.
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of? Please explain.
In 2013 there was a G8 summit completely dedicated to dementia. Amidst the health ministers of the G8 countries, UK PM David Cameron, policymakers and scientists, I was invited to give a 2-minute pitch, in which I argued that we have to address dementia prevention from a population perspective.
