Cisca Wijmenga to step down as head of department of genetics

Dear colleagues,

On 1st January it will be 10 years since I first came to Groningen to become the new head of department for genetics. Now, 10 years later, I am very grateful to look back at a fantastic period. Together we have achieved such a lot: not only changes within our organization (including the combining of the DNA and cytogenetics labs and diagnostics, and setting up the new sections for O&I and Systems Genetics); changes in our working set up (including the flexible New Way of Working); the integration of clinical care and research (including using RNA for diagnostics and our strong focus on bioinformatics); the many innovations (like web-consulting, preconception screening, and 5GPM); the top performance of the research section (for example, many personal grants awarded and regular papers in leading journals); but also all the people who make up our department. We have a wonderful department and I am proud of the spirit, quality, and the unconditional effort from each of you.

This has enabled me to decide, after 10 years, to step down from my position as head of department. I can pass on a fantastic department, which I will be very happy to continue to be part of, but then with my focus on my research work. Two large funds (the ERC Advanced Investigator grant and the Spinoza prize) will allow me to pursue sufficient challenges in the scientific field.

You will be informed later today by the UMCG Board of Management or by Richard Koekkoek about the procedure to be followed to find a successor. I look forward to talking to you personally during the Christmas drinks later this afternoon.

With very best wishes,
Cisca