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Max van Essen

DPhil, Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics


Project: Utilising human induced pluripotent stem cells to make cerebellar organoids and hope to exploit that method in order to make an innovative in vitro model of medulloblastoma

BSc of Medicine at University of Utrecht 2012-2015
MSc of Medicine at University of Utrecht 2015-2019

About Max

As a clinician scientist, it is vital to get the best possible training in both clinical practice and research. The University of Oxford is one of the leading universities worldwide and forms a great opportunity to get such training.

During my medical training I have gained particular interest in neuro-oncology. Malignant brain tumours form a devastating disease category for which in many cases currently no curative treatment exists. I have become deeply motivated to join the effort of improving the perspective of patients with neurological cancers such as medulloblastoma and hope that this project can be another step in that direction.

The dismal prognosis of some of these brain tumours asks for active and intensive research, participating in that research motivates me to a great extent.

What does your typical day look like?

Most days, I spend culturing cells or doing experiments in the laboratory. Another important part is keeping up to date with the most recent developments in the field through reading of literature and attending lectures.

Future plans

I want to go back into the clinic and obtain further training and experience, ultimately to become a research minded clinician that can help coordinating relevant science.