The RCMM Task Forces
Communication and Public Relations
Task Force leader: Dr Richard Rodenburg
Team members: Dr Mirian Janssen, Dr Rutger Vogel, Marion Hermans, Dr Lonneke de Boer, Prof Jan Smeitink, Annette de Boer.
This Task Force will stimulate internal and external communication between all stakeholders in the field of mitochondrial medicine, provide information on important scientific achievements and events in this field, and increase the national and international visibility of the RCMM and its training opportunities for PhD students. These goals are addressed by the following means:
- Updates of the newly launched RCMM website (A. de Boer, R. Vogel and M. Hermans)
- A monthly RCMM newsletter (R. Vogel)
- Organisation of RCMM meetings
- Organisation of seminars, exchange programs, scientific fellowships
- Contact and Exchange with patient‐organisations (M. Jansen)
- Contact with, and publications in lay‐media
- Inclusion of the name of RCMM on all scientific papers and other publications produced by RCMM members
Teaching and training
Task Force leader: Dr Peter Willems
Team members: Dr Rutger Vogel, Dr Richard Rodenburg, Dr Lonneke de Boer, Prof Ulrich Brandt
This Task Force aims to develop a challenging, exciting and international training environment for clinical fellows and basic scientists in the field of mitochondrial disorders. The major objective of this committee is to provide TOP‐notch educational programs for post‐docs, PhD students and under‐graduates within the research disciplines of RIMLS, RIHS and DCN. The programs will be presented in several formats including a Summer School, a Radboudumc Honours Program, an Excellent Student Program (Paediatrics), workshops, student exchange platforms and specialized lectures by experts in the field. This Task‐Force and RCMM principle lecturers are also engaged in the development of the new bachelor and master curriculum for Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and coordinates internships these students.
The Excellent Student Program is a research education program addressing second year Radboudumc students. Enrolment in the program is coordinated by a mentor scientist and includes research activities in a scientific topic from the various research lines of the RCMM that embrace translational aspects. In addition to the regular curricular responsibilities, the students take part actively in current RCMM research projects with a commitment of 20 hours per month.
Research infrastructure
Task Force leader: Dr Hans Spelbrink
Team members: Dr Imelda de Groot , Dr Werner Koopman, Prof Martijn Huijnen, Prof Ulrich Brandt, Dr Hans Wessels
RCMM research and patient care relies to a large extent on an excellent technical infrastructure and expertise. The clinical departments of the Radboudumc are equipped with state‐of‐art facilities enabling excellent patient care. Built around a core of state‐of‐the‐art Radboudumc Technology Platforms, including genomics, proteomics/metabolomics and glycomics, bioinformatics, central animal laboratory, biobank, microscope imaging center and others (see https://www.radboudumc.nl/Research/Pages/TechnologyPlatforms.aspx). These Technology Platforms are the building blocks to successfully apply genomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches and bring the data together in a holistic systems biology approach to mitochondrial disorders.
The Task‐Force follows new technological developments, identifies requirements for expanding and modernizing the research infrastructure and thereby aligns the needs of RCMM members with the investment plans of the RCMM and the Radboudumc Technology Centers. It develops strategies for an efficient and timely transfer of relevant technological innovations to diagnostic use.
Research strategy
This Task Force functions as a think tank/preparatory group that brings up new ideas for the RCMM research strategy by identifying new subjects, shaping new research lines and keeping a good balance between focus and breadth of research. The group will develop concepts and measures, how communication and collaboration between the different groups within the RCMM ranging from health professionals to basic researchers can be fostered to promote truly integrative research programs.
Human Resources
Success depends largely on the talent, qualification, dedication and enthusiasm of the people working together, who are therefore the most important asset of the RCMM. This Task‐Force therefore develops concepts and measures to optimize the work environment for RCMM members, support them in planning their personal development and by identifying career opportunities for them. The group will also develop ideas to optimize scouting and recruitment in order to make the RCMM most attractive for young talents, both at the national and international level.