Van Andel Institute (VAI)

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.

Read more: vai.org/article/how-st…

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

The auction will run until this Sunday evening! 💜🚨 *pick up dates will be determined after our rescheduled Purple Community Game

Join us for our Purple Community Game this Friday presented by the @VAInstitute 💜 GET TICKETS | 🔗 bit.ly/4qFQKlg

@MXHend Read more: vai.org/article/can-a-…

Can a chronic stomach infection influence #Parkinsons disease risk? Recent findings by VAI’s @MXHend and colleagues reveal how infection by the H. pylori bacterium may influence the risk and progression of Parkinson’s.

@McMasterU vai.org/article/flippi…

Drug-resistant fungal infections like Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans are on the rise. Recently, a team of scientists from VAI and @McMasterU identified a natural substance that may help a group of low-toxicity antifungal drugs work better.

In 2025, VAI continued to build scientific momentum and drive discoveries that deepen our understanding of human health. Check out our year of research highlights! vai.org/article/reflec…

Modestly limiting calories promotes the formation of ketones, which act as “fuel” for T cells, reports a study by @DrRGJonesLab & colleagues. The findings pave the way for developing dietary strategies to boost the effects of cancer immunotherapies. vai.org/article/study-…

VAI & @CureParkinsonsT are thrilled to announce that we have renewed a funding agreement to support the International Linked Clinical Trials Program, the world’s largest drug repurposing clinical trial initiative for #Parkinsons disease. vai.org/article/van-an…

Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Michael Dahabieh recently earned a prestigious award for his work on immunotherapies. His research aims to improve these treatments by identifying new ways to re-energize immune cells in their battle against cancer. vai.org/article/harnes…

Congrats to Dr. Russell Jones (@DrRGJonesLab) for being named to this year’s @Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list — a distinction marking him as a leader in his field. Read more: vai.org/hcr-2025 #HighlyCited2025 @ClarivateAG