Three UG researchers join De Jonge Akademie

Three young researchers of the University of Groningen have been admitted to De Jonge Akademie (The Young Academy, DJA): Lude Franke, Merel Keijzer and Erin Wilson. The DJA is a platform within the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)for young, world-class scientists and scholars with an innovative vision on science and scholarship and related policy. The DJA organizes inspirational activities for various target groups in the field of science and scholarship communication. Every year the DJA selects 10 new members from among researchers who gained a PhD less than 10 years ago .

Prof. Dr. Lude Franke | Dr. Merel Keijzer | Dr. Erin Wilson

Young Academy Groningen

Merel Keijzer and Lude Franke are also members of the Young Academy Groningen (YAG), a platform of talented young researchers at the University of Groningen aiming to unite academics from different disciplines. The YGA advises the University on science policy and organizes inspiring activities for the public to boost the relationship between science and society.

Prof. Lude Franke

Lude Franke is Associate Professor in the field of genetics, mathematics, statistics and computing science at the Department of Genetics of the UG/University Medical Center Groningen. As a statistical geneticist, Franke concentrates on analyzing data about the genetics of complex diseases and autoimmune diseases (such as coeliac disease). His innovative research uses big data, and he is a strong advocate of the reuse of data. This strategy is not only cost-effective, it is also essential to be able to investigate and answer topical issues related to the field of functional genetics.

• Website Lude Franke
• Lude Franke in focus

Dr. Merel Keijzer

Merel Keijzer is Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Linguistics, where she specializes in the cognitive and language control of bilinguals across the lifespan, with a special focus on bilingualism and cognitive ageing. Employing both behavioural and neuroimaging techniques, she is particularly interested in establishing how patterns in individual bilingual language use affect the type and magnitude of cognitive advantage that is found in advanced age. She also studies how bilingual language use can be isolated from other factors that enhance cognitive reserve, such as musical training, stimulating social activities, and physical exercise.

• Website Merel Keijzer

Dr. Erin Wilson

Erin Wilson is a University Lecturer in Religion and Politics. Her research is at the interface where religious studies, international relations and philosophy meet, and aims to develop a new theoretical framework for the role of religion in issues in national and international politics. Her research in the fields of human rights, migration, gender equality and radicalization is regularly applied to national and international politics and policy documents as well as by practical experts in societal organizations.

• Website Erin Wilson
• News release faculty ThRS

More information

• Website De Jonge Akademie
• Website Young Academy Groningen