Lude Franke appointed member of The Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

UMCG geneticist appointed member of the exclusive society of top young scientists

UMCG-researcher Lude Franke of the Department of Genetics has been appointed a member of the The Young Acadeny of the KNAW. This is a platform for top young scientists with an innovative view on science and science strategy and policy. Every year ten new members are appointed. They graduated for their doctorate degree less than 10 years ago. Members have demonstrated proven scientific quality and an excellent track record; they show a broad interest in the practice and communication of science. Membership is for five years. The official ceremony will take place on 8 June 2017 in Amsterdam.

Prof. Lude Franke

Lude Franke (1980, genetics and bio-informatics) is a statistical geneticist and associate professor in the Department of Genetics, UMCG. He is head of the research and education section. His research group uses statistics, big data, biology and informatics (systems genetics) to discover patterns and anomalies in the DNA of patients with hereditary disorders and genetic diseases. He also makes a strong plea for open access and open data, combined with protection for individual data.

Franke is keen to present his scientific work to a wider public, this is facilitated by his graphic design skills. He has been awarded several research grants, including an ERC Starting Grant (2014), an NWO VIDI (2014), an NWO VENI (2009), and a Horizon grant (2009). He was awarded the UMCG Research Prize in January 2015.