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Martijn Nawijn

Talent track Professor in functional genetics of chronic respiratory disease Profile
Talent track Professor in functional genetics of chronic respiratory disease
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I am a translational scientists, trained as immunologist and molecular geneticist. My research aims to identify the molecular mechanisms active during inception, exacerbation and remission of complex, chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract such as asthma and COPD. My ultimate goal is to develop novel strategies for prevention or intervention in these highly prevalent disorders. To achieve this, I combine state-of-the-art single-cell technologies with functional genomic and molecular biological approaches. My research uses primary cells and tissues from patients and controls to identify the consequences of genetic susceptibility for altered biology during the disease process. Advanced 3D primary cell cultures, (sc)RNA sequencing and image analysis are used for validation and functional follow-up. I am coordinator of the Lung Bionetwork of the Human Lung Cell Atlas consortium, as I strongly believe that open team science holds the potential to make the next steps towards addressing the 21st century scientific and societal challenges. Therefore, I aim to contribute my expertise in molecular genetics and (single) cell biology to multidisciplinary teams of experts in clinical medicine, single-cell and imaging technology, bioinformatics and pharmacology to work together towards curative interventions for asthma and COPD.