Master’s students Brechtje de Jong and Ilse de Weert win KNMP Studentenprijs 2024
Brechtje de Jong, a Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences master’s student, and Ilse de Weert, a Pharmacy student, have won the KNMP Studentenprijs 2024. They received the award for their outstanding academic performance and research internships.
Both are delighted to have won the prize. Brechtje: ‘It’s recognition from the programme and the pharmaceutical field for my efforts and achievements during my studies.’ Ilse was surprised when Kirsten Schimmel, Director of the Pharmacy Master’s Programme, nominated her. ‘Being nominated was already an honour, but to win is even more incredible.’
Liver damage from approved medicines and lipids in Alzheimer’s brains
During her master’s in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brechtje specialised in research, completing two internships and a literature review. For her first internship at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, she investigated why some medicines cause liver damage despite being approved. She found that these drugs disrupted mitochondrial function in liver cells, leading to potential harm. In her second internship, she worked with the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, examining changes in lipids in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. She discovered that some of these changes also occur in people who have the disease in their bodies but do not show symptoms. Her research offers insights into the disease and potential future treatments.
Medication works longer in patients with obesity
Ilse’s research shows that patients with obesity remain stable on lanreotide, a medication used to treat neuroendocrine tumours, for a longer period. This means their disease stays under control for longer without worsening. Normally, the drug is administered in a fixed dose, regardless of BMI, BSA, or kidney function, but there was a need for real-world data on its effectiveness. Ilse gathered information from electronic patient records and discovered this notable trend.
1,000-euro prize money
Both Brechtje and Ilse won 1,000 euros as part of the KNMP Studentenprijs. Ilse isn’t sure yet how she will spend the money but plans to set aside some for scuba diving. Brechtje, however, has clear plans. ‘I’ve just started a PhD at the UMCG in Groningen and moved there. I’ll use the prize money to help me settle in quickly in Groningen!’
KNMP Studentenprijs
The KNMP, the Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association, annually awards the KNMP Studentenprijs during its autumn congress. Professors and lecturers can nominate students for their excellent academic results, motivation, and dedication. The prize includes a 1,000-euro award.