Meet us
Have you met Willem van de Zand? Since September 2024, he is our new force for the Dutch Global Health Strategy. He has a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences with a specialisation in Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
“Throughout my diverse education, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct research on a wide range of topics: from studying neuroimmunology at Amsterdam UMC to analysing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) policy in Europe, and from assessing COVID-19 vaccine readiness in the Netherlands to researching the association between COVID-19 and cardiac inflammation.
My core mission has always remained the same: to be a bridge connecting science and society. I believe that science should not only be properly understood, but also applied in ways that are meaningful and that inform appropriate policies. I’m excited to carry this mission forward at the Global Health Hub, where we bring together a diverse range of organisations, institutions, and experts, all with the shared goal of improving health globally. As Secretary of the Global Health Hub, I’m here to support this mission by serving as the primary point of contact for any questions or requests—so feel free to reach out to me at any time!
And now, a few ‘fun’ facts to help you get to know me better:
- My interest in global health sparked at the age 16, during a volunteer trip to the Northern part South Africa—after running a half-marathon to raise funds for the journey! Working with an organisation maintaining school buildings and gardens for local children opened my eyes to the broader importance of health in a global context;
- After finishing high school, I travelled around New Zealand for six months, taking on all kinds of odd jobs to fund my travels—from picking fruit to working on a ski slope;
- Alongside my academic career, I’ve always taken on side jobs that were completely different from my study subjects. This included working as a chauffeur, managing an annual music festival, assisting at surf camps in summer, and even constructing padel courts;
- I’ve played football most of my life, but these days I focus more on running, swimming, and cycling to stay fit;
- I once tried to get into medical school but didn’t make the cut—turns out it was for the best;
- I love interdisciplinary thinking—my studies were diverse, and so is my personality! I enjoy doing a bit of everything and exploring different perspectives;
Need help with community building or to further elaborate on establishing your story? Or curious about upcoming events? Feel free to reach out to me. Only together, we can truly make a difference.”