Research group Epidemiology of tropical infectious diseases

We played a leading role in defining the human infectious reservoir for malaria and the importance of different demographic populations to onward transmission of both P. falciparum and P. vivax. This work supported guidelines of the World Health Organization on extending seasonal chemo prevention to school age children.

We are at the forefront of developing and testing novel transmission blocking interventions. These interventions range from antimalarials drugs to vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Vaccines and mAbs are developed and tested in collaboration with the group of Dr. Matthijs Jore.

We continue to unravel human immune responses that influence malaria transmission dynamics. This work is a combination of antigen discovery (filling the pipeline for next-generation interventions), and epidemiology (understanding what drives transmission efficiency at population level).

We enjoy fun research, whether it is on James Bond adhering to travel advice or the consequences of wearing speedos for the attractiveness of male academics.

We strive to make our research (environmentally) sustainable. This is supported by our research on the carbon footprint of academic practices and sustainable alternatives for activities with a large environmental footprint.