Meet our new fellows: turning science into impact
19 February 2025
Meet Our New Fellows: Turning Science into Impact
At Faculty of Impact, we’re thrilled to introduce three remarkable fellows who embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with us in May last year. Yvonne Derks, Patrick Dekker, and Arjan Stoppelenburg are transforming groundbreaking research into ventures that will drive real societal change.
Yvonne Derks – Fighting Prostate Cancer with Precision Medicine
As a researcher at Radboud UMC, Yvonne Derks is on a mission to revolutionize prostate cancer treatment. Her innovation? A cutting-edge prostate cancer targeting agent that delivers precise radioligand therapy, selectively destroying tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. With her startup, Aurelius Therapeutics, she aims to bring this life-changing therapy to patients. Through the Faculty of Impact, she’s learning how to bridge the gap between lab research and business, securing funding, and preparing for clinical trials.
Patrick Dekker – Next-Generation Cancer Treatment with Fewer Side Effects
Patrick Dekker from Leiden University is tackling a major issue in cancer therapy: the severe side effects of current proteasome inhibitors used for treating multiple myeloma. His team has developed highly selective immunoproteasome inhibitors that promise to be just as effective while significantly reducing side effects. Now, he’s using the Faculty of Impact program to refine his entrepreneurial skills and take the next steps toward translating this breakthrough into a viable business.
Arjan Stoppelenburg – Resetting Autoimmune Diseases with Nanotechnology
Imagine a world where autoimmune diseases can be treated not just with lifelong medication but with a tolerogenic vaccine that restores immune balance. That’s exactly what Arjan Stoppelenburg from Utrecht University is working on. His nanoparticle technology aims to help patients reduce or even eliminate their dependence on immunosuppressive drugs, improving their quality of life while also reducing healthcare costs. With the Faculty of Impact, he’s learning how to build Tolvac Therapeutics into a strong, investment-ready company.
From Research to Real-World Change
These three inspiring scientists exemplify what Faculty of Impact is all about: turning knowledge into real-world impact. Over the next two years, they’ll receive expert guidance, funding, and a network of peers to help them bring their innovations to life.
Stay tuned for updates on their journey—and if you’re a researcher with an ambition to create impact, our next application round is now open!