GEC member Prof. Sytze Brandenburg (KVI), appointed Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion

On April 26 Prof. Dr. Sytze Brandenburg, researcher at the KVI Center for Advanced Radiation Technology and member of the Groningen Engineering Center, received a Royal Decoration as a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion.

For three decades, Professor of Accelerator Physics Sytze Brandenburg (Leeuwarden, 1954) has been one of the world’s leading experts in the field of cyclotron particle accelerators and their diverse applications in healthcare, for example in proton therapy in cancer treatment. His impressive scientific knowledge, his drive to innovate and his clearly formulated advice, that takes into account urban planning requirements, have resulted in the foundation of the Groningen Proton Therapy Center (GPTC) that is currently being built for the University Medical Center Groningen.

Before the end of the year, the first cancer patients will be treated by the GPTC, using a newly developed method in which tumours are tackled without surgery or chemotherapy, thus not damaging surrounding tissue and vital organs. Radiation therapy will then substantially increase a patient’s life expectancy. In addition to the GPTC, three more centres for proton therapy are going to be opened in the Netherlands. Proton therapy would not have been possible in the Netherlands if it weren’t for Brandenburg’s efforts, contributions and expertise.

Brandenburg’s extensive network has led to many collaborative projects. Recently, for example, a collaboration with UMC Utrecht has been set up to see if a research facility for MRI-guided proton therapy can be realized. The project, combining Brandenburg’s expertise and the UMC Utrecht’s expertise in the field of MRI-guided radiotherapy, is unique in the world.