Van Andel Institute (VAI)

The NPA announced the recipients of its inaugural Institutional Policy Awards, recognizing twelve institutions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing the postdoctoral experience. 🔗 nationalpostdoc.org/mpage/ERP // #NPAERP #NPAIPAs #postdocs #postdocoffices

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For scientists, precision is everything. VAI recently installed a cryo-plasma-focused ion beam, a leading-edge technology that helps scientists see the innerworkings of cells and tissues in unprecedented detail.

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At VAI, Drs. Russell Jones and Evan Lien study how different types of cells use nutrients in different ways. Their work aims to develop targeted strategies that support immune cells while making cancer cells more vulnerable.

Can the gut microbiome help prevent disease despite genetic risk? Using a microscopic worm called C. elegans as a model, Dr. Nick Burton’s lab is studying how certain microbes may help buffer the effects of disease-causing genetic variants.

Read more: vai.org/article/key-in…

Van Andel Institute ranks No. 3 on the 2026 Nature Index Research Leaders list of North American nonprofit research organizations for biological sciences. #NatureIndexResearchLeaders

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Ellen Stirtz, April Rickle, Sofia leleva, Thomas Goralski and Svetlana Djirackor, who recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School.

We are excited to partner with GVSU to help strengthen West Michigan’s position as a hub for advanced computing, biomedical research and healthcare innovation.

We’re hiring a Postdoc in the Henderson Lab @ Van Andel Institute! Join our team studying neurodegenerative disease across scales (molecular → circuits). Flexible, high-impact projects and strong mentorship. Apply: vai.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/VAICaree… Please share!

We are excited to recognize renowned scientist Glenda Halliday, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2026 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research!

@WUR @Nature Read more: vai.org/article/crispr…

VAI & @WUR scientists used a CRISPR variant to distinguish tumor DNA from healthy DNA by targeting chemical differences present in cancer cells. Published in @Nature, the study is a promising step toward cancer therapy that targets tumor cells with high precision.

Read more: vai.org/article/5-area…

What’s on the horizon in Parkinson’s disease research? In honor of #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, VAI’s Dr. Darren Moore highlights five areas to watch for breakthroughs in Parkinson’s research.

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A new discovery from VAI scientists shows that a key energy enzyme in tuberculosis-causing bacteria is structured in an unexpected way, which may help it adapt to stress and survive. The findings point toward new ways to make treatments more effective. #WorldTBDay2026