Van Andel Institute (VAI)
@vai.org
VAI is an independent biomedical research, K–12 & graduate education organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our scientists study cancer, Parkinson’s, metabolic disorders and other diseases. vai.org
Congrats to Dr. Russell Jones for being named to this year’s @clarivate.com Highly Cited Researchers list — a distinction marking him as a leader in his field.
Read more: vai.org/hcr-2025
#HighlyCited2025 @clarivateag.bsky.social
Read more: vai.org/hcr-2025
#HighlyCited2025 @clarivateag.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Congrats to Dr. Russell Jones for being named to this year’s @clarivate.com Highly Cited Researchers list — a distinction marking him as a leader in his field.
Read more: vai.org/hcr-2025
#HighlyCited2025 @clarivateag.bsky.social
Read more: vai.org/hcr-2025
#HighlyCited2025 @clarivateag.bsky.social
Could a molecular “adhesive” help make a common antibiotic more effective? New findings published in @natcellbio.nature.com from Dr. Huilin Li and collaborators may pave the way for optimizing neomycin for broader use.
Read more: www.vai.org/article/a-st...
Read more: www.vai.org/article/a-st...
November 10, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Could a molecular “adhesive” help make a common antibiotic more effective? New findings published in @natcellbio.nature.com from Dr. Huilin Li and collaborators may pave the way for optimizing neomycin for broader use.
Read more: www.vai.org/article/a-st...
Read more: www.vai.org/article/a-st...
VAI Graduate Student Yanqing Liu works to outsmart cancer by exploring the molecular tricks cancer cells use to survive. She recently received a prestigious award to support her research and contribute to the development of improved therapies. www.vai.org/article/figh...
Fighting to outsmart cancer: A Q&A with graduate student Yanqing Liu – Van Andel Institute
Read about Fighting to outsmart cancer: A Q&A with graduate student Yanqing Liu on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.
www.vai.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM
VAI Graduate Student Yanqing Liu works to outsmart cancer by exploring the molecular tricks cancer cells use to survive. She recently received a prestigious award to support her research and contribute to the development of improved therapies. www.vai.org/article/figh...
Reposted by Van Andel Institute (VAI)
I am excited to announce that after a decade of service to the U of Florida during which the @ufhealthcancer.bsky.social received NCI designation, in January 2026 I will be assuming the role of President and Chief Scientific Officer of the @vai.org.
www.vai.org/article/emin...
www.vai.org/article/emin...
Eminent physician-scientist Dr. Jonathan D. Licht to serve as next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute – Van Andel Institute
Dr. Jonathan D. Licht has been selected as the next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute, effective January 2026.
www.vai.org
October 29, 2025 at 6:20 PM
I am excited to announce that after a decade of service to the U of Florida during which the @ufhealthcancer.bsky.social received NCI designation, in January 2026 I will be assuming the role of President and Chief Scientific Officer of the @vai.org.
www.vai.org/article/emin...
www.vai.org/article/emin...
Reposted by Van Andel Institute (VAI)
Van Andel Institute PhD program- App Deadline soon
Innovative curriculum/personalized academic support/generous financial support: $44,635 stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, laptop computer, $2,500/year for scientific conferences, relocation allowance.
www.vai.org/graduate-sch...
Innovative curriculum/personalized academic support/generous financial support: $44,635 stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, laptop computer, $2,500/year for scientific conferences, relocation allowance.
www.vai.org/graduate-sch...
Graduate School
Learn more about at Van Andel Institute. Explore our in-depth resources and latest articles.
www.vai.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Van Andel Institute PhD program- App Deadline soon
Innovative curriculum/personalized academic support/generous financial support: $44,635 stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, laptop computer, $2,500/year for scientific conferences, relocation allowance.
www.vai.org/graduate-sch...
Innovative curriculum/personalized academic support/generous financial support: $44,635 stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, laptop computer, $2,500/year for scientific conferences, relocation allowance.
www.vai.org/graduate-sch...
It is our distinct honor to announce that Dr. Jonathan D. Licht has been selected as the next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute.
Read more: www.vai.org/article/emin...
Read more: www.vai.org/article/emin...
Eminent physician-scientist Dr. Jonathan D. Licht to serve as next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute – Van Andel Institute
Dr. Jonathan D. Licht has been selected as the next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute, effective January 2026.
www.vai.org
October 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM
It is our distinct honor to announce that Dr. Jonathan D. Licht has been selected as the next president and chief scientific officer of Van Andel Institute.
Read more: www.vai.org/article/emin...
Read more: www.vai.org/article/emin...
A study by @mxhend.bsky.social and collaborators found that an unstructured layer surrounding the Alzheimer’s-related protein tau plays a critical role in recruiting other proteins to misfold in Alzheimer’s progression. The findings were published in @natcomms.nature.com. www.vai.org/article/not-...
Not just a harmless accessory, tau’s ‘fuzzy coat’ contributes to Alzheimer’s progression – Van Andel Institute
Read about Not just a harmless accessory, tau’s ‘fuzzy coat’ contributes to Alzheimer’s progression on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in scien...
www.vai.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:10 PM
A study by @mxhend.bsky.social and collaborators found that an unstructured layer surrounding the Alzheimer’s-related protein tau plays a critical role in recruiting other proteins to misfold in Alzheimer’s progression. The findings were published in @natcomms.nature.com. www.vai.org/article/not-...
A study led by @stjuderesearch.bsky.social & VAI scientists, published in @natsmb.nature.com, reports a protein called midkine may help prevent brain plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. www.vai.org/article/midk...
Midkine proteins prevent Alzheimer’s-related plaques – Van Andel Institute
Read about Midkine proteins prevent Alzheimer’s-related plaques on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.
www.vai.org
October 23, 2025 at 7:41 PM
A study led by @stjuderesearch.bsky.social & VAI scientists, published in @natsmb.nature.com, reports a protein called midkine may help prevent brain plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. www.vai.org/article/midk...
Research led by VAI scientists, published in @natcomms.nature.com, reveals the role of SMCHD1 in organizing our genetic code into “active” and “inactive” compartments. This process can have profound effects on health and disease.
www.vai.org/article/dna-...
www.vai.org/article/dna-...
September 26, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Research led by VAI scientists, published in @natcomms.nature.com, reveals the role of SMCHD1 in organizing our genetic code into “active” and “inactive” compartments. This process can have profound effects on health and disease.
www.vai.org/article/dna-...
www.vai.org/article/dna-...
Congratulations to our largest group of graduates to date! Seven incredible students recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School. This milestone achievement is an exciting step toward impactful careers in science.
September 23, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Congratulations to our largest group of graduates to date! Seven incredible students recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School. This milestone achievement is an exciting step toward impactful careers in science.
This National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we’re inspired by stories like Dr. Agot Aleer’s. Her journey shows exactly what our postdoctoral program aims to be: a place where passion and opportunity come together to advance science. #NPAW25
www.vai.org/article/find...
www.vai.org/article/find...
Finding a home in biomedical research – Van Andel Institute
Read about Finding a home in biomedical research on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.
www.vai.org
September 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
This National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we’re inspired by stories like Dr. Agot Aleer’s. Her journey shows exactly what our postdoctoral program aims to be: a place where passion and opportunity come together to advance science. #NPAW25
www.vai.org/article/find...
www.vai.org/article/find...
It's National Postdoc Appreciation Week! We are proud to recognize our stellar postdocs, whose curiosity and dedication help drive our mission to improve health and enhance lives. Thank you for your outstanding work! 💙 #NPAW2025
www.vai.org/research/pos...
www.vai.org/research/pos...
September 17, 2025 at 5:29 PM
It's National Postdoc Appreciation Week! We are proud to recognize our stellar postdocs, whose curiosity and dedication help drive our mission to improve health and enhance lives. Thank you for your outstanding work! 💙 #NPAW2025
www.vai.org/research/pos...
www.vai.org/research/pos...
Reposted by Van Andel Institute (VAI)
Another graduate student defended! Congratulations, Dr. Goralski!
September 15, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Another graduate student defended! Congratulations, Dr. Goralski!
Reposted by Van Andel Institute (VAI)
Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute (@vai.org) are delighted to announce Dr Matt Farrer as the winner of the 2025 Tom Isaacs Award, which honours researchers who closely collaborate with the Parkinson’s community.
Find out more: buff.ly/a003fQj
Find out more: buff.ly/a003fQj
September 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute (@vai.org) are delighted to announce Dr Matt Farrer as the winner of the 2025 Tom Isaacs Award, which honours researchers who closely collaborate with the Parkinson’s community.
Find out more: buff.ly/a003fQj
Find out more: buff.ly/a003fQj
Congratulations to Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre, recipient of the 2025 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research! Dr. Greenamyre received the award today at the Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease symposium: www.vai.org/2025-jva-award
September 9, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Congratulations to Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre, recipient of the 2025 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research! Dr. Greenamyre received the award today at the Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease symposium: www.vai.org/2025-jva-award
We are thrilled to welcome 16 students into Van Andel Institute Graduate School's 19th student cohort!
August 28, 2025 at 5:17 PM
We are thrilled to welcome 16 students into Van Andel Institute Graduate School's 19th student cohort!
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Maulik Patel to VAI as an associate professor in our Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming. He will explore how cells maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and what happens when this process breaks down. www.vai.org/article/van-...
www.vai.org
August 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Maulik Patel to VAI as an associate professor in our Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming. He will explore how cells maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and what happens when this process breaks down. www.vai.org/article/van-...
A new study, led by VAI’s Dr. Russell Jones and published in @cp-cellmetabolism.bsky.social, reveals that glucose, long known as a vital fuel for immune cells, also plays a key role in helping cancer-fighting T cells communicate and function effectively. www.vai.org/article/swee...
‘Sweet’ discovery reveals how glucose fuels cancer-fighting immune cells – Van Andel Institute
Read about ‘Sweet’ discovery reveals how glucose fuels cancer-fighting immune cells on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.
www.vai.org
August 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
A new study, led by VAI’s Dr. Russell Jones and published in @cp-cellmetabolism.bsky.social, reveals that glucose, long known as a vital fuel for immune cells, also plays a key role in helping cancer-fighting T cells communicate and function effectively. www.vai.org/article/swee...
Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease brings together hundreds of scientists, clinicians and people with Parkinson’s to learn, connect and shape the future of research.
Join us Sept. 9–10, 2025 at Van Andel Institute.
Learn more and register: grandchallengesinpd.org
Join us Sept. 9–10, 2025 at Van Andel Institute.
Learn more and register: grandchallengesinpd.org
2025 Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease
Join us for 2025 Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease at Van Andel Institute Stay informed about exciting upcoming events and activities.
grandchallengesinpd.org
August 20, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease brings together hundreds of scientists, clinicians and people with Parkinson’s to learn, connect and shape the future of research.
Join us Sept. 9–10, 2025 at Van Andel Institute.
Learn more and register: grandchallengesinpd.org
Join us Sept. 9–10, 2025 at Van Andel Institute.
Learn more and register: grandchallengesinpd.org
Reposted by Van Andel Institute (VAI)
🚀 Our new study is out in Nature Metabolism!
We used single-embryo metabolomics and transcriptomics to map the earliest metabolic transitions in Drosophila development, including the onset of zygotic metabolism.
Explore the dataset & findings:
🔗 rdcu.be/eAH12
#DevBio #metabolomics #Drosophila
We used single-embryo metabolomics and transcriptomics to map the earliest metabolic transitions in Drosophila development, including the onset of zygotic metabolism.
Explore the dataset & findings:
🔗 rdcu.be/eAH12
#DevBio #metabolomics #Drosophila
Resolving early embryonic metabolism in Drosophila through single-embryo metabolomics and transcriptomics
Nature Metabolism - By developing a method for single-embryo multi-omics in Drosophila, the authors provide a high-resolution view into the transcriptional and metabolic underpinnings of early...
rdcu.be
August 14, 2025 at 8:24 AM
🚀 Our new study is out in Nature Metabolism!
We used single-embryo metabolomics and transcriptomics to map the earliest metabolic transitions in Drosophila development, including the onset of zygotic metabolism.
Explore the dataset & findings:
🔗 rdcu.be/eAH12
#DevBio #metabolomics #Drosophila
We used single-embryo metabolomics and transcriptomics to map the earliest metabolic transitions in Drosophila development, including the onset of zygotic metabolism.
Explore the dataset & findings:
🔗 rdcu.be/eAH12
#DevBio #metabolomics #Drosophila
A new study by @lempradllab.bsky.social offers a high-resolution look at the “metabolic handoff” from fruit fly mothers to offspring. The findings could help us better understand the roots of health and disease in humans.
www.vai.org/article/stud...
www.vai.org/article/stud...
Study offers high-resolution look at ‘metabolic handoff’ from fruit fly mothers to embryos – Van Andel Institute
Read about Study offers high-resolution look at ‘metabolic handoff’ from fruit fly mothers to embryos on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in sci...
www.vai.org
August 18, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A new study by @lempradllab.bsky.social offers a high-resolution look at the “metabolic handoff” from fruit fly mothers to offspring. The findings could help us better understand the roots of health and disease in humans.
www.vai.org/article/stud...
www.vai.org/article/stud...
A study by VAI’s Dr. Russell Jones, published in Science Advances, reveals that blocking a common inflammatory protein called IL-17 could open the door to better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers and Peutz-Jehgers syndrome. www.vai.org/article/redu...
Reducing inflammation may offer new path for treating Peutz-Jehgers syndrome, GI cancers – Van Andel Institute
Read about Reducing inflammation may offer new path for treating Peutz-Jehgers syndrome, GI cancers on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in scien...
www.vai.org
August 15, 2025 at 7:36 PM
A study by VAI’s Dr. Russell Jones, published in Science Advances, reveals that blocking a common inflammatory protein called IL-17 could open the door to better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers and Peutz-Jehgers syndrome. www.vai.org/article/redu...
What’s next in metabolism research? VAI’s Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program recently asked top experts to forecast their bold ideas. Read about six areas they said are primed for discovery: www.vai.org/article/what...
What’s next in metabolism research? – Van Andel Institute
Read about What’s next in metabolism research? on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.
www.vai.org
August 14, 2025 at 8:02 PM
What’s next in metabolism research? VAI’s Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program recently asked top experts to forecast their bold ideas. Read about six areas they said are primed for discovery: www.vai.org/article/what...
Congratulations to @nickburton.bsky.social, who was named today as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences! This four-year award supports exceptional early-career scientists who seek answers to pressing questions about health and disease.
Van Andel Institute’s Dr. Nick Burton named as a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences – Van Andel Institute
Read about Van Andel Institute’s Dr. Nick Burton named as a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science an...
www.vai.org
August 12, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Congratulations to @nickburton.bsky.social, who was named today as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences! This four-year award supports exceptional early-career scientists who seek answers to pressing questions about health and disease.
Reposted by Van Andel Institute (VAI)
I’m really beyond thrilled to be included in this years Pew Biomedical Scholars cohort and to be able to meet all the incredible scientists in this program. I was in Scott Kennedy’s lab when he was a Pew Scholar and never thought I’d be lucky enough to also be one! www.pew.org/en/about/new...
Pew Awards 22 Researchers Biomedical Science Grants
www.pew.org
August 12, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I’m really beyond thrilled to be included in this years Pew Biomedical Scholars cohort and to be able to meet all the incredible scientists in this program. I was in Scott Kennedy’s lab when he was a Pew Scholar and never thought I’d be lucky enough to also be one! www.pew.org/en/about/new...