Van Andel Institute (VAI)

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

Could a molecular “adhesive” help make a common antibiotic more effective? New findings published in @NatureCellBio from Dr. Huilin Li and collaborators may pave the way for optimizing neomycin for broader use. Read more: vai.org/article/a-stic…

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. vai.org/article/fighti…

I am excited to announce that after a decade of service to the U of Florida during which the UF Health Cancer Center received NCI designation, in January 2026 I will be assuming the role of President and Chief Scientific Office of the @VAInstitute vai.org/article/eminen…

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: vai.org/article/eminen…

A study by @MXHend 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 @NatureComms. vai.org/article/not-ju…

A study led by @StJudeResearch & VAI scientists, published in @NatureSMB, reports a protein called midkine may help prevent brain plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. vai.org/article/midkin…

Research led by VAI scientists, published in @NatureComms, 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. vai.org/article/dna-or…

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.

"AI’s growing presence can make teachers nervous, but it doesn’t change the fundamental mission of education." ~ Ben Talsma, Learning Specialist and K-12 AI Learning Expert Find out more ➡️ 5 keys to AI success: A roadmap for K–12 administrators eschoolnews.com/digital-learni…