NL
DE
In this part of 'A personal glimpse...', a recurring interview series where we get know more about our fellow researchers, we are talking with Eddy Adang, who is born in Roermond in 1964. He is an associate professor at the departments Health Evidence (HEV) & Health Care Improvement Science.
Where do you live?
Asenray, a tiny village at the German border near Roermond, adjacent to the Elmpterwald and Meinweg national park with my wife Babs and dog Joep.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your childhood years?
In my day playing outside was the norm. That consisted of climbing trees, building rafts (for on dredge holes near the river Meuse) and climbing haystacks (Where have they gone?). I can't remember having a clear idea of what I wanted to be. I mainly wanted to play outside.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
After fulfilling my military service, I studied Economics in Maastricht. Economics appeals to me because economic thinking requires analytical skills (which suits me) and also provides knowledge with which you are able to interpret policy decisions at all levels of society (on a daily basis).
Which of your research discoveries are you most proud of?
I am proud of all my research. If I had to mention anything, it would be research in the field of response shift (stemming from my PhD thesis) because it made me realize that applied research is the breeding ground for methodological innovation.
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
Separating the wheat from the chaff within the complex healthcare landscape from an economic perspective and thereby contributing to value-based health care (delivery).
If you could choose any mentor, who would it be?
If I interpret mentor as an (intellectual) sparring partner, it very much depends on the dilemma(‘s) I face. If it's someone who guides you through life, I'd say my father in retrospect.
What is your favorite topic: molecules - patients - population?
Population fits best with my research.
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
I'm very much for team science, so anything that stands in the way of that should change.
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
Preferably not.
What is the thing that irritates you most?
In general dishonesty and boastfulness.
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
You never know how dinner with a stranger will turn out, what I know is that I always enjoy dining with Babs.
How do you relax from the demanding job being a scientist?
Walking the dog, mountain biking, wining and dining with Babs (and our adult children).
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
At least two things are very important: pleasure in your research/work and a good team around you. Obviously, these are not independent and come for granted. You have to check with yourself every now and then.
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of? Please explain.
Not quite yet...
