During the two-day annual meeting of the Dutch Society for Aging Research (DuSRA) in Amsterdam, Jill was honored with the Best Presentation Award. She presented her recent work on mTOR inhibition in aging and atherosclerosis, showing how rapamycin may reduce (B cell) inflammation and promote healthier aging.

In June 2025, Bram, Amanda and Jill attended the Gordon Research Conference on Atherosclerosis in Castelldefels, Spain. During this international meeting, leading scientists and clinicians shared and discussed the latest developments in atherosclerosis research. Bram, Amanda, and Jill all presented posters showcasing their work, with Jill and Amanda highlighting our research on age-associated B cells (ABCs) in atherosclerosis. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and discuss cutting-edge approaches in the field.

On the 27^th of May was the official opening of the novel MabMine antibody discovery platform at Campus Gasthuisberg in Leuven with the participation of about 60 invited academic and industrial collaborators.

The new facility is dedicated to advancing the MabMine antibody discovery platform and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for:

• Single B cell screening and isolation;

• B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing;

• Recombinant antibody production

• Antibody characterization.

New Lab Supported by Vlaamse Veerkracht/ NextGenerationEU Grant — PharmAbs

B-specific projects were also highlighted at the event!

B-specific coordinator Amanda Foks, has been selected to join the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA) Leadership Program 2025-2026. As part of the program, Amanda will work together with fellow scientists, clinicians and DCVA partners on current challenges in cardiovascular research, care and policy. Amanda is very excited to join this program and to contribute to the mission of the DCVA.

More information about the DCVA can be found via this link: https://dcvalliance.nl/