Floris Huider received the Rising Star award for his work on the genetics of major depression. Floris conducted a large meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies across multiple cohorts in the Netherlands, focusing on lifetime major depression in which he looked for relations between DNA variation and depression. His research has shed new light on the genetics of this complex disorder and identified a genetic signal unique to the Dutch. Floris was selected for the award by the international Behavior Genetics Association in June, marking him as an emerging talent in behavioural genetics.
Dorret Boomsma, a pioneer in twin studies and the founder of the Netherlands Twin Register, was honoured with the 2024 Galjaard Award from the Dutch Society for Human Genetics (NVHG). This lifetime achievement award recognizes her extensive and impactful work on twins, and the value of twin studies for human genetics. Her research has paved the way for discoveries in the fields of behavioural and medical genetics. Her most recent discoveries include the genes for becoming the mother of dizygotic twins.
Veronika Odintsova was awarded the Galton Prize by the International Society for Twin Studies (ISTS) for her research on epigenetics, monozygotic (MZ) twinning, and amyoplasia, a rare congenital disorder that is characterized in by a lack of muscle development which occurs more often in MZ twins. Veronika was the first to apply an innovative epigenetic signature of MZ twinning to patients with this congenital condition. Her research has provided evidence that even more patients than initially thought may have started their life as a monozygotic twin. This award highlights Veronika’s significant contributions to understanding the biological mechanisms behind these phenomena.
Together, these researchers have made remarkable strides in advancing twin research and genetics, continuing the Netherlands' strong tradition of excellence in these fields.