erc_rapport_2009-2014

Evaluation 2009-2014
Report of the External Review Committee
Faculty of Health,Medicine and Life Sciences
Maastricht University Medical Centre+
Maastricht University
2009-2014
MHeNs School for Mental Health and Neuroscience

E v a l u a t i o n of t h e M a a s t r i c h t S c h o o l f o r M e n t a l H e a l t h a n d
N e u r o s c i e n c e M H e N s ( 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 4 )
Report of the External Review Committee
March, 2016

I INTRODUCTION
T h i s report p r e s e n t s t h e results of t h e research and e d u c a t i o n a l p r o g r a m s ' a s s e s s m e n t of M H e N s ,
c o n d u c t e d in 2 0 1 6 by a n external review c o m m i t t e e , o v e r t h e period 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 4 . T h e M a a s t r i c h t
S c h o o l for M e n t a l Health a n d N e u r o s c i e n c e (further t o be m e n t i o n e d M H e N s ) is o n e of six research
s c h o o l s in t h e F a c u l t y of H e a l t h , M e d i c i n e and Life S c i e n c e s e m b e d d e d in the M a a s t r i c h t University
M e d i c a l C e n t r e + ( o r g a n o g r a m in A n n e x 3).
I.1 The External Review Committee
T o a s s e s s t h e research and e d u c a t i o n (both at t h e M a s t e r ' s and P h D level) c o n d u c t e d at M H e n N s , an
international External R e v i e w C o m m i t t e e (further t o be m e n t i o n e d 'the C o m m i t t e e ' ) w a s a p p o i n t e d b y
t h e E x e c u t i v e B o a r d of M a a s t r i c h t University o n S e p t e m b e r 2 8 t h
. T h e C o m m i t t e e c o n s i s t e d of t h e
f o l l o w i n g m e m b e r s :
* P r o f e s s o r M a r i a n Joëls (chair), Brain C e n t e r R u d o l f M a g n u s , University M e d i c a l C e n t e r Utrecht,
T h e N e t h e r l a n d s
* P r o f e s s o r Bill D e a k i n , N e u r o s c i e n c e a n d P s y c h i a t r y Unit, Institute of Brain B e h a v i o u r a n d M e n t a l
Health and M a n c h e s t e r A c a d e m i c Health S c i e n c e C e n t r e , M a n c h e s t e r , United K i n g d o m
* P r o f e s s o r M i c h e l H a m o n , C e n t r e d e Psychiatrie et N e u r o s c i e n c e s , I N S E R M - C P N , Paris, F r a n c e
* P r o f e s s o r A n d r e a s M o n s c h , M e m o r y Clinic, University C e n t e r for M e d i c i n e of A g i n g , Felix Platter
Hospital, B a s e l , S w i t z e r l a n d
* P r o f e s s o r Bart Nuttin, University Hospital L e u v e n , B e l g i u m
* P e t r a U i t t e n b o g a a r d , M S c , S u r p l a c e A d v i e s , T h e H a g u e , T h e N e t h e r l a n d s , a p p o i n t e d secretary t o
the review c o m m i t t e e .
A d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n o n the c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s a n d their brief curriculum vitae can be f o u n d in
A n n e x 1 .
P r o f e s s o r Albert Scherpbier, D e a n of t h e Faculty of H e a l t h , M e d i c i n e and Life S c i e n c e s (further t o be
m e n t i o n e d as 'the Dean'), f o r m a l l y installed the C o m m i t t e e o n J a n u a r y 1 8 t h
2 0 1 6 . T h e C o m m i t t e e
u s e d t h e m e t h o d s d e s c r i b e d in t h e S t a n d a r d E v a l u a t i o n P r o t o c o l 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 2 1 ( S E P ) 1
. T h i s protocol
a i m s t o e n s u r e a t r a n s p a r e n t and i n d e p e n d e n t a s s e s s m e n t process. All m e m b e r s of the C o m m i t t e e
s i g n e d a s t a t e m e n t of impartiality a n d confidentiality.
I.2 Scope of the assessment and documentation
T h e D e a n a s k e d t h e C o m m i t t e e t o p r o v i d e a qualitative a s s e s s m e n t of t h e s c h o o l as a w h o l e , as well
a s of its three research divisions, in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the S E P guidelines. M o r e o v e r t h e D e a n a s k e d
t h e C o m m i t t e e t o pay special attention t o t h e future strategy of the s c h o o l , especially the intended
d e v e l o p m e n t of the C e n t e r for Integrative N e u r o s c i e n c e (CIN) a n d t h e N e u r o - I n t e r v e n t i o n C e n t e r
(NIC). A s part of the a s s e s s m e n t , the f o l l o w i n g research divisions w e r e p r e s e n t e d t o t h e E R C for
e v a l u a t i o n :
1 . C o g n i t i v e N e u r o p s y c h i a t r y and Clinical N e u r o s c i e n c e
2 . M e n t a l Health
3. N e u r o s c i e n c e
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The S E P protocol has been developed as an external evaluation system for all research conducted at Dutch
universities, university medical centers, and N W O and Academy institutes. The Association of Universities in
the Netherlands (VSNU), the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and the Netherlands
Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) adopted the protocol.
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I.3 Working procedure of the Committee
T h e C o m m i t t e e b a s e d its a s s e s s m e n t s o n t h e S e l f - e v a l u a t i o n R e p o r t 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 4 p r e s e n t e d b y
M H e N s , a n d o n an e x t e n s i v e t w o - a n d - a - h a l f d a y site visit containing p r e s e n t a t i o n s by and
d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h t h e D e a n , t h e scientific director of t h e s c h o o l , t h e division leaders, research g r o u p
leaders, p o s t - d o c s and P h D - s t u d e n t s , and t h e p r o g r a m c o o r d i n a t o r s of t h e s c h o o l ' s R e s e a r c h
M a s t e r s and P h D p r o g r a m (full p r o g r a m in A n n e x 2). During t h e a s s e s s m e n t p r o g r a m , t h e C o m m i t t e e
d e c i d e d t o a s k (and w a s provided with) additional details: a) a n o v e r v i e w of all scientific publications
in 2 0 1 4 at t h e level of t h e divisions, 2) an o v e r v i e w of all running clinical trials within every division, 3)
a list at division level of assigned projects and f u n d i n g in 2 0 1 5 . In v i e w of t h e e x t e n s i v e i n f o r m a t i o n
p r o v i d e d in t h e S e l f - e v a l u a t i o n R e p o r t a n d during t h e p r o g r a m , t h e C o m m i t t e e did not s e e
c o m p e l l i n g r e a s o n s t o m a k e u s e of t h e possibility t o h a v e e x t r a interviews w i t h a selection of t h e
r e s e a r c h staff.
T h e C o m m i t t e e a s s e s s e d a n d rated t h e a b o v e - m e n t i o n e d t h r e e divisions a n d t h e s c h o o l as a w h o l e
w i t h regard t o scientific quality, societal relevance and viability, b o t h in a descriptive m a n n e r (text)
a n d o n a f o u r - p o i n t s c a l e 2
( A n n e x 5). T h e t h r e e criteria a n d especially t h e f o u r - p o i n t scoring s y s t e m ,
adhering t o t h e latest version of t h e S E P , differ f r o m t h o s e in prior S E P s and are t h e r e f o r e not directly
c o m p a r a b l e .
T h e t w o - a n d - a - h a l f d a y visit w a s c o n c l u d e d w i t h a n oral f e e d b a c k s e s s i o n of t h e findings and
preliminary c o n c l u s i o n s of t h e C o m m i t t e e , a t t e n d e d by t h e D e a n and t h e scientific director of
M H e n N s , f o l l o w e d by a presentation t o t h e scientific director a n d t h e t h r e e division leaders.
1 = World leading/excellent, 2 = Very good, 3 = Good and 4 = Unsatisfactory. For an explanation of the
categories, please see annex 5.
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II ASSESSMENT OF THE SCHOOL OF MHenNs
Brief description of the school's research strategy and targets
T h e principal f o c u s o f t h e S c h o o l f o r M e n t a l Health a n d N e u r o s c i e n c e (abbreviated a s M H e N s ) is t o
c o n d u c t h i g h - i m p a c t translational n e u r o s c i e n c e research o n neurological and psychiatric illness as
well a s m e n t a l health and t o provide s t a t e - o f - t h e - a r t e d u c a t i o n t o M a s t e r and P h D s t u d e n t s . T o this
e n d , t h e s c h o o l brings t o g e t h e r basic a n d clinical n e u r o s c i e n c e d o m a i n s in translational f o c u s a r e a s
a n d e x p e r t g r o u p s .
M H e n N s f o c u s e s its research o n 1) a basic u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f brain f u n c t i o n a n d d i s e a s e m e c h a n i s m s ,
2) u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e f u n c t i o n o f g e n e s and proteins, cellular p r o c e s s e s a n d neural and glial n e t w o r k s
in relation t o h u m a n health, and 3) establishing translational links b e t w e e n laboratory, clinic a n d vice
versa. M H e N s h a s organized its research into t h r e e research divisions: 1) C o g n i t i v e N e u r o p s y c h i a t r y
a n d Clinical N e u r o s c i e n c e , h e a d e d b y P r o f e s s o r F. V e r h e y , 2) M e n t a l H e a l t h , h e a d e d b y P r o f e s s o r J .
v a n O s and 3 ) N e u r o s c i e n c e , h e a d e d b y Dr. B . R u t t e n .
For t h e y e a r s 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 2 1 , t h e S c h o o l intends t o s t r e n g t h e n its t h r e e c o r n e r s t o n e s , research, care and
e d u c a t i o n , s i m u l t a n e o u s l y t o b e c o m e a c e n t e r o f excellence t h a t will c o m p r i s e m u c h m o r e t h a n 'just'
a research institute. M a j o r t a r g e t s in this strategy are t h e i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e N e u r o - I n t e r v e n t i o n
C e n t e r (NIC), a clinically driven research unit, h e a d e d b y P r o f e s s o r v a n O s (NIC will deal w i t h all
a s p e c t s o f m e n t a l health related t o research, patient care and e d u c a t i o n in t h e U n i v e r s i t y hospital),
a n d t h e C e n t e r of Integrative N e u r o s c i e n c e (CIN), a c e n t e r w h i c h will c o m b i n e all n e u r o s c i e n c e
related research and M a s t e r t e a c h i n g f r o m five M a a s t r i c h t faculties. In research, t h e S c h o o l a i m s t o
m o v e t o w a r d s a ' b e n c h t o b e d s i d e strategy', w h i c h c o u l d h a v e c o n s e q u e n c e s for t h e current division
structure. T h e r e are a d v a n c e d plans t o start an i n d e p e n d e n t d e p a r t m e n t o f translational
n e u r o s c i e n c e . In e d u c a t i o n , M H e N s w a n t s t o e x p a n d a n d s t r e n g t h e n its R e s e a r c h Master, P h D and
p o s t d o c t o r a l activities. Related t o viability, M H e N s w a n t s t o invest its surplus financial m e a n s t o
attract m o r e p o s t d o c s and assistant professors. A planned international E u r o p e a n R e s e a r c h M a s t e r
in translational n e u r o s c i e n c e will b e incorporated in 2 0 1 7 .
II.2 Assessment of the School of MHeNs as a whole
II.2.1 G e n e r a l r e m a r k s
Self Evaluation Report
T h e C o m m i t t e e first w o u l d like t o e x p r e s s her appreciation for t h e excellence a n d
c o m p r e h e n s i v e n e s s o f t h e Self Evaluation R e p o r t . T h e S c h o o l o f M H e N s n e e d s t o be c o n g r a t u l a t e d
w i t h this report. F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e r e is surely a substantial g r o w t h visible in t h e 3 divisions c o m p a r e d
t o t h e last external review in 2 0 0 9 . T h e r e is n o d o u b t that very g o o d t o excellent research is d o n e
w i t h i n all 3 divisions. T h e o b s e r v a t i o n s and r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s b e l o w s h o u l d b e read in t h e spirit o f
i m p r o v i n g a S c h o o l that is already p e r f o r m i n g a t a very high level.
Organizational aspects and governance
In o r d e r t o i m p r o v e g o v e r n a n c e o f t h e S c h o o l o f M H e N S , t h e organizational structure will benefit f r o m
simplification. If t h e organizational structure is not i m m e d i a t e l y clear t o t h e C o m m i t t e e a n d , as w e
o f t e n heard, it t a k e s m o n t h s for e m p l o y e e s t o find their w a y , it is t i m e t o c o n s i d e r c h a n g i n g t h e
structure. T h e university and t h e hospital are currently t w o different legal entities a n d t h e r e m a y b e
historical, financial a n d / o r political r e a s o n s t o k e e p t h e present structure. H o w e v e r , rethinking t h e
s t r u c t u r e o f t h e hospital a n d university w i t h regard t o large clusters like t h e S c h o o l o f M H e N s m a y
help t o b e better prepared for t h e future a n d m a k e t h e s c h o o l a better recognizable unit w i t h i n a n d
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o u t s i d e of M a a s t r i c h t . T h e N e u r o - I n t e r v e n t i o n C e n t e r (NIC) - w h i c h starts s o o n - a n d the C e n t e r for
Integrative N e u r o s c i e n c e (CIN) - m a y be n e c e s s a r y i n t e r m e d i a t e steps. N e v e r t h e l e s s , it is clear t o t h e
C o m m i t t e e that 'Integrative N e u r o s c i e n c e in M a a s t r i c h t ' s h o u l d w o r k t o w a r d s o n e f a c e a n d o n e label
a s s o o n a s possible.
T h e M H e N s structure of divisions w a s slightly c h a n g e d after the last E R C report, but the current logic
is not i m m e d i a t e l y t r a n s p a r e n t and d o e s not entirely reflect the s t r e n g t h s of M a a s t r i c h t n e u r o s c i e n c e .
T h e c o m m i t t e e a d v i s e s a rethink of t h i s structure, especially in light of t h e intended n e w d e p a r t m e n t
of n e u r o s c i e n c e , w h i c h is t o b e c o m e t h e leading d e p a r t m e n t w i t h i n Division 3. If t h e Division a n d t h e
d e p a r t m e n t h a v e the s a m e n a m e ' N e u r o s c i e n c e ' this is b o u n d t o c a u s e c o n f u s i o n .
Financial position
T h e C o m m i t t e e w a s pleased t o s e e t h e s t r o n g e r financial position of t h e S c h o o l o f M H e N s in recent
years, d u e t o a n e w allocation m o d e l o f r e s o u r c e s . T h e D e a n is t o be a p p l a u d e d t h a t he a b a n d o n e d
an allocation s y s t e m d e t e r m i n e d exclusively by historical r e a s o n s , t o be replaced by a m o d e l t h a t
m o r e correctly reflects scientific a n d e d u c a t i o n a l impact. H o w e v e r , the C o m m i t t e e h a s c o n c e r n s that
a m o d e l b a s e d - w i t h respect t o t h e variable i n c o m e - o n t h e n u m b e r of t h e s e s p r o d u c e d , t h o u g h
simple, m a y not sufficiently t a k e scientific activities into the e q u a t i o n that are m o r e applied and h a v e
a different type of i m p a c t o n science and society. T h e current m o d e l is s o m e w h a t at o d d s w i t h t h e
general policy of the university and hospital (and m a n y o t h e r parties in T h e N e t h e r l a n d s and E u r o p e )
a n d a s s u c h s e n d s the w r o n g signal. External grant i n c o m e is a m o r e w i d e l y used a n d externally
r e c o g n i z e d k e y p e r f o r m a n c e indicator t h a n is t h e n u m b e r of t h e s e s ; a d o p t i n g this KPI (too) s h o u l d
drive up the quality of scientific o u t p u t .
Infrastructure
W i t h regard t o central facilities, t h e c o m m i t t e e w a s very e n t h u s i a s t i c a b o u t the intended
centralization of the imaging facility. T h i s is a c o r e facility and noticeable strength o f M a a s t r i c h t , f r o m
w h i c h both r e s e a r c h e r s and patients s h o u l d fully benefit. T h e financial s u p p o r t of the D e a n is also
highly appreciated by the C o m m i t t e e .
T h e C o m m i t t e e h a s c o n c e r n s a b o u t the a n i m a l facility. T h i s is also an i m p o r t a n t c o r e facility. A
s e p a r a t e building for this p u r p o s e is essential and the fact that a decision t o build h a s recently b e e n
t a k e n , is s e e n a s an i m p o r t a n t step. T h i s is a n urgent m a t t e r and currently h a m p e r s progress,
particularly of Division 3 r e s e a r c h .
II.2.2 R e s e a r c h Quality
T h e c o m m i t t e e w a s positively i m p r e s s e d by t h e joint research effort of t h e S c h o o l . G r e a t e n t h u s i a s m
a n d drive of individual junior and senior r e s e a r c h e r s w a s o b s e r v e d , d e s p i t e their substantial clinical
a n d teaching load: s o m e t h i n g t o be c h e r i s h e d .
T h e research quality and o u t p u t is very g o o d t o excellent (1-2 o n the quantitative S E P - s c a l e , s e e II.6).
T h e research t o p i c s in general are relevant, but m a k e a s o m e w h a t scattered i m p r e s s i o n . B y giving all
s u b j e c t s the s a m e w e i g h t and not m a k i n g c h o i c e s for specific topics, the total s p e c t r u m is broad and
here and there lacks t h e critical m a s s n e c e s s a r y t o reach international visibility, f o r c e a n d
a t t r a c t i v e n e s s t o f u n d e r s . T h e r e is a potential threat that efforts are diluted. Especially w h e n t h e
n u m b e r of staff p o s i t i o n s is limited, w h e n individual r e s e a r c h e r s h a v e multiple obligations a n d
'regular' f u n d i n g s o u r c e s are b e c o m i n g m o r e c o m p e t i t i v e , m a k i n g c h o i c e s m a y be n e c e s s a r y . T h e
s t r o n g h o l d s of Maastricht, i.e. i) t h e t h e m e s of d e m e n t i a a n d p s y c h o t i c disorders, ii) t h e a p p r o a c h e s
of n e u r o m o d u l a t i o n and n e u r o - e p i g e n e t i c s and iii) the internationally oriented teaching p r o g r a m , c a n
p r o v i d e s t r o n g leads for international recognition.
Increasing t h e f o c u s m a y a l s o help t o c h a n g e the f u n d i n g - I D of t h e s c h o o l . W h i l e external f u n d i n g
(research grants, contracts) is a d e q u a t e at the m o m e n t , the c o m m i t t e e noticed shifts o v e r t i m e f r o m
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r e s e a r c h g r a n t s t o w a r d s c o n t r a c t research. T o s o m e e x t e n t this reflects a national t r e n d , but t h e
relatively l o w n u m b e r of current M H e N s scientific m e m b e r s holding p e r s o n a l grants, certainly b e y o n d
t h e V e n i level, s h o w s that t h e r e still is r o o m f o r i m p r o v e m e n t , also f r o m traditional f u n d s .
II.2.3 R e l e v a n c e t o society
T h e c o m m i t t e e c o n s i d e r s t h e societal relevance of t h e S c h o o l ' s research area a s a w h o l e t o be
excellent (1). T h e q u e s t i o n s t o u c h o n m a j o r health issues that h a v e a big i m p a c t at t h e level of t h e
D u t c h e c o n o m y and society. S u b j e c t s like d e m e n t i a and m e n t a l health are at t h e heart of t h e
c h a l l e n g e s o u r society is facing. T h e M H e N s r e s e a r c h e r s a s k relevant q u e s t i o n s , reach out, w o r k w i t h
m a n y p a r t n e r s in t h e region a n d i m p l e m e n t their findings in t h e health s y s t e m . T h i s a p p r o a c h is also
e x t e n d e d t o t h e level of t e a c h i n g , e x e m p l i f i e d by P h D t h e s e s containing a section o n societal
relevance of t h e results a n d a R e s e a r c h M a s t e r ' s t r a c k o n D r u g D e v e l o p m e n t a n d N e u r o h e a l t h that
will be i m p l e m e n t e d s o o n . C o n s i d e r i n g t h a t t h e S c h o o l is situated in a Faculty of H e a l t h , M e d i c i n e
a n d Life S c i e n c e s , t h e societal relevance is excellent and at t h e level that c a n and s h o u l d be
e x p e c t e d .
Still, t h e c o m m i t t e e s e e s possibilities t o bring t h e interaction w i t h societal p a r t n e r s t o an e v e n higher
level. T h e n u m b e r of tangible p r o d u c t s , spin-off c o m p a n i e s a n d public-private p a r t n e r s h i p s c a n be
increased. T h e incentive s h o u l d not just c o m e f r o m t h i s e v a l u a t i o n , but be a t r a n s p a r e n t part of
university and hospital g o v e r n a n c e , reflected in t h e p a r a m e t e r s d e t e r m i n i n g t h e variable i n c o m e .
Difficulties in standardizing s u c h p a r a m e t e r s are a c k n o w l e d g e d by t h e C o m m i t t e e , but s h o u l d be a
starting point of t h e d i s c u s s i o n .
II.2.4 Viability
T h e C o m m i t t e e regards t h e viability of M H e N s in principle t o be healthy (1-2). Certainly w h e n t h e
S c h o o l brings m o r e f o c u s t o its activities t h i s will help t o b e c o m e an e v e n m o r e recognizable partner,
w i t h i n and o u t s i d e of Maastricht. Anticipation of n e w f u n d i n g s o u r c e s , e.g. by active broker-activities
w i t h (pharmaceutical) industry p a r t n e r s - m o r e pro-actively t h a n t h e current practice - and m o r e
forcefully stimulating a n d facilitating k n o w l e d g e t r a n s f e r are r e c o m m e n d e d .
T a l e n t m a n a g e m e n t is a l s o a vital e l e m e n t f o r t h e M H e N s viability. T h e C o m m i t t e e definitely noticed
high-potentials, at all career levels. Y e t , a m o r e e x t e n s i v e a n d t a i l o r - m a d e talent s u p p o r t s y s t e m
w o u l d be helpful, t h u s o p t i m a l l y positioning i n - h o u s e talented r e s e a r c h e r s f o r personal grants.
T h e C o m m i t t e e e m p h a s i z e s t h a t it is a l s o i m p o r t a n t t o attract talent f r o m e l s e w h e r e , including in
leading positions: p e o p l e t h a t bring e x p e r t i s e f r o m o t h e r c e n t e r s t o Maastricht. T h i s f o r i n s t a n c e m a y
hold f o r t h e a p p o i n t m e n t of t h e h e a d of t h e n e w d e p a r t m e n t of N e u r o s c i e n c e . H e o r s h e s h o u l d be a
N e u r o s c i e n c e - p r o f i l e oriented professor, w h o will really put effort t o p r o m o t e i n n o v a t i v e strategies
w i t h i n t h e field of integrative n e u r o s c i e n c e , in c l o s e c o o r d i n a t i o n w i t h o t h e r affiliated d e p a r t m e n t s
(neurosurgery, a n e s t h e s i o l o g y , urology, n e u r o l o g y a n d n e u r o t o x i c o l o g y ) . T h e C o m m i t t e e a d v i s e s t h a t
t h e high profile neuroscientist w i t h e s t a b l i s h e d credentials a n d k n o w l e d g e of c u t t i n g - e d g e
t e c h n i q u e s in n e u r o s c i e n c e w h o will h e a d t h e d e p a r t m e n t of N e u r o s c i e n c e s h o u l d a l s o s e r v e a s h e a d
of Division 3.
A n o p e n m i n d f o r external c a n d i d a t e s a l s o h o l d s f o r t h e a p p o i n t m e n t of t h e n e w M H e N s director:
scientific excellence, a record of effective leadership in c o m p l e x o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d dedication t o t h e
j o b s h o u l d be t h e m a j o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n s . T h i s will g u a r a n t e e c o n t i n u a t i o n of t h e highly appreciated
w o r k by t h e current scientific director.
T h e c o m m i t t e e w a s pleased t o h e a r t h a t t h e leadership of t h e faculty (up t o t h e highest level)
s u p p o r t s N e u r o s c i e n c e a n d M e n t a l Health in M a a s t r i c h t / M a a s t r i c h t U M C + a n d is e v e n , a s t h e
c o m m i t t e e heard, willing t o f u r t h e r invest in it. T h i s g i v e s c o n f i d e n c e in a healthy f u t u r e of t h e S c h o o l .
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II.3 Evaluation of Division 1: Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Division 1, u n d e r t h e lead o f P r o f e s s o r F r a n s V e r h e y , h a s its m a i n research f o c u s in t h e field o f
n e u r o d e g e n e r a t i v e disorders, specifically regarding early d i a g n o s i s a n d b i o m a r k e r s including
n e u r o e p i d e m i o l o g i c a l studies, a n d p s y c h o s o c i a l interventional aspects. Additional a r e a s include
epilepsy, n e u r o m u s c u l a r disorders, a n d t h e s e n s e o f hearing a n d balance. T h e s e research g r o u p s
h a v e published consistently well a n d substantially - i.e., b e t w e e n 1 4 6 a n d 2 3 6 p a p e r s p e r y e a r - o v e r
t h e reporting period. Division 1 h a s delivered 51 P h D t h e s e s , 5 o f t h e m w i t h h o n o r s .
Direct f u n d i n g h a s d e c r e a s e d f r o m 4 0 ^ i in 2 0 0 9 t o 2 3 ^ i in 2 0 1 4 , w h i l e research g r a n t s a n d contract
research h a v e increased b e t w e e n 2 0 0 9 a n d 2 0 1 4 f r o m 4*^0 t o 15*^0 a n d f r o m 25*^0 t o 44*^0,
respectively.
II.3.2 R e s e a r c h Quality
Overall t h e research quality is very g o o d t o excellent (1-2, s e e II.6). Especially within t h e primary
f o c u s o f A l z h e i m e r ' s disease, t h e w o r k o f Division 1 is very innovative, c o m p r e h e n s i v e , a n d i m p o r t a n t
s t u d i e s h a v e b e e n carried o u t . Impressively, t h e w h o l e s p e c t r u m f r o m healthy aging (with projects
a i m i n g a t preventing cognitive decline) t o early d i a g n o s i s (including very sophisticated biomarkers),
c o s t - e f f e c t i v e n e s s studies, a n d p h a r m a c o l o g i c a l interventions h a s b e e n c o v e r e d . T h e o u t c o m e s o f
t h e s e research projects clearly receive w o r l d w i d e attention.
In t h e field o f epilepsy, d e e p brain s t i m u l a t i o n projects a r e p r o d u c i n g p r o m i s i n g results, w h i l e in t h e
field o f t h e s e n s e o f hearing a n d balance, w o r l d - l e a d i n g interventional trials h a v e b e e n carried o u t .
T h e s e a r e evidently smaller fields in Division 1 .
T h e r e is n o d o u b t that t h e w o r k p r o d u c e d in Division 1 is o f t h e u t m o s t relevance t o society (1). T h e s e
r e s e a r c h g r o u p s n o t only collect a n d analyze d a t a f r o m Maastricht, b u t m a n a g e t o sustain a n
e x t e n s i v e n e t w o r k w i t h i n E u r o p e a n d p r o d u c e findings that a r e i m p o r t a n t f o r o t h e r n o n - D u t c h
societies a s well. G r e a t efforts a r e u n d e r t a k e n t o c o m m u n i c a t e research findings t o t h e c o m m u n i t y .
G i v e n t h e d e m o g r a p h i c a l l y driven increase o f d e m e n t i a , t h e relevance t o society is excellent.
II.3.4 Viability
I n c o m e h a s r e m a i n e d quite stable o v e r t h e y e a r s . T h e C o m m i t t e e noticed a shift, t h o u g h , f r o m direct
f u n d i n g t o c o n t r a c t research.
Division 1 h a s lined u p n e w a n d very i m p o r t a n t s t u d i e s (e.g., M a a s t r i c h t S t u d y w i t h 1 0 , 0 0 0
participants) that will allow t h e research g r o u p s t o prosper a n d strive f o r e v e n m o r e relevant results in
t h e future. M o r e o v e r , M a a s t r i c h t h a s b e c o m e o n e o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t n o d e s within t h e E u r o p e a n
n e t w o r k in t h e field o f A l z h e i m e r ' s disease. G i v e n t h e excellence, e n t h u s i a s m , a n d track record o f t h e
r e s e a r c h e r s in Division 1 , t h e viability is c o n s i d e r e d a s very g o o d t o excellent (1-2).
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II.4 Evaluation of Division 2: Mental Health
II.4.1 R e s e a r c h quality
T h e research quality is w o r l d class in t h e a r e a of genetic e p i d e m i o l o g y of p s y c h o s i s . T h e E U - G E
g r a n t t o V a n O s s h o u l d yield m a n y insights, e v e n t h o u g h f u n d i n g is c o m i n g t o a n e n d . T h e e m b e d d e d
statistical s u p p o r t is excellent a n d t h e e m p h a s i s o n design of s t u d i e s and analysis is rigorous. T h e
w o r k o n e x p e r i e n c e s a m p l i n g h a s b e e n highly influential; t h e benefits of f e e d b a c k , s e l f - m o n i t o r i n g
a n d P s y M a t e s e e m t o be e m e r g i n g . O n e w o u l d like t o s e e a f u l l - b l o w n p l a c e b o - c o n t r o l l e d R C T of
t h e s e i n t e r v e n t i o n s in patients w i t h clinical p s y c h o s i s . T h e r e did not s e e m t o be substantial
i n n o v a t i o n in o t h e r f o r m s of t h e r a p y . T h e p a r a d i g m is at early s t a g e a n d it is hard t o s e e h o w
well results c a n be generalized o r d i s s e m i n a t e d into t r e a t m e n t a l g o r i t h m s . It m i g h t be desirable t o
h a v e m o r e clinical p s y c h o l o g y input into s y s t e m a t i c psychological t h e r a p i e s and investigation of w h a t
t h e effective ingredients are.
T h e w o r k o n e n v i r o n m e n t a l f a c t o r s s u c h a s social e x c l u s i o n and c h i l d h o o d t r a u m a h a s had a m a j o r
influence o n t h i n k i n g . H o w e v e r , t h e p o p u l a t i o n attributable risk is d e b a t e d . T h e r e is a noticeable lack
of e m p h a s i s o n t h e brain m e c h a n i s m s of vulnerability. T h i s is a d d r e s s e d in part by neurobiological
investigations s u c h a s t h e interesting w o r k o n stress, g l u t a m a t e a n d d o p a m i n e interaction in
p s y c h o s i s p r o n e n e s s . T h e a t t e m p t t o u n d e r s t a n d neurobiological m e c h a n i s m s in a d o l e s c e n t at risk
m e n t a l s t a t e s ( A R M S ) in a d o l e s c e n t s a n d their r e s p o n s e t o t h e r a p y is laudable in a m b i t i o n and it is t o
be h o p e d that r e c r u i t m e n t will be s u c c e s s f u l . T h e 2 2 q 1 1 s t u d i e s a n d m u s c a r i n i c M 1 s t u d i e s are
interesting in their o w n right a n d collaboration w i t h c e n t e r s of i m a g i n g e x p e r t i s e s h o u l d c o n t i n u e .
N e u r o b i o l o g i c a l publications are p e r h a p s not a s n u m e r o u s a s t h e y c o u l d be. T h e f u t u r e direction o f
t h e s e s t u d i e s n e e d s clarification. Overall, t h e C o m m i t t e e c o n s i d e r e d t h e quality a s very g o o d and in
s o m e a r e a s w o r l d - l e a d i n g (1-2).
T h e r e a p p e a r s t o be a c o n s i d e r a b l e load o f P h D s u p e r v i s i o n w i t h f e w 'full-time equivalent' staff.
H o w e v e r n o p r o b l e m s w i t h t h e quality of s u p e r v i s i o n h a v e e m e r g e d .
P s y M a t e is e n g a g i n g t h e public a n d u s e r s in m a n a g i n g their psychological health. T h e U s e r R e s e a r c h
C e n t r e is an excellent initiative in involving p e o p l e w i t h lived e x p e r i e n c e in defining their o w n research
a g e n d a a n d p r e s u m a b l y t h e design a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n of o t h e r studies. T h e Division lead h a s
elicited a national and international d e b a t e o n t h e n a t u r e of s c h i z o p h r e n i a a n d p s y c h o s i s . Overall t h e
relevance is excellent (1).
II.4.3 Viability
T h e productivity a n d i n n o v a t i o n of t h e division is u n d o u b t e d in t h e a r e a s m e n t i o n e d . T h e c o m m i t t e e
h a d s o m e c o n c e r n s a b o u t t r e n d s regarding viability. S t a r t i n g f r o m a high baseline in 2 0 0 9 , i) F H M L
scientific staff w i t h i n division 2 h a s declined f r o m 7.2 t o 4.3 fte and ii) research grant i n c o m e h a s
d r o p p e d by 60^i. O v e r t h e s a m e period, c o n t r a c t i n c o m e h a s increased by 2 0 0 ^ i , s o t h a t overall
i n c o m e h a s r e m a i n e d stable. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e i n f o r m a t i o n provided in a n n e x 4 (on w h i c h t h e
c o m m i t t e e had t o b a s e its view), t h e c o n t r a c t i n c o m e s e e m s t o be m o s t l y m a d e up of a series of very
large g r a n t s t o t h e h e a d o f Division 2 , w h i c h raised s o m e c o n c e r n s a b o u t t h e earning p o w e r of o t h e r
g r o u p m e m b e r s . T h e shift in i n c o m e s o u r c e s m a y reflect t h e explicit strategy t o m o v e a w a y f r o m
c o m p e t i t i v e p e e r - r e v i e w e d grant i n c o m e t o health services f u n d i n g , a l o n g w i t h m o v i n g a w a y f r o m
c o n v e n t i o n a l biological psychiatry t o t h e m e t h o d o l o g y of " e m b r a c i n g clinical p r a g m a t i s m " . W h a t this
m e a n s in practice is uncertain t o t h e c o m m i t t e e a s are t h e implications f o r t h e translational
n e u r o s c i e n c e e t h o s of M H e N s . W h i l e a s s u r i n g f u n d i n g f r o m multiple s o u r c e s is a sensible strategy,
t h e c o m m i t t e e ' s v i e w is that it is very i m p o r t a n t t o s u s t a i n and increase individual p e e r - r e v i e w e d
i n c o m e f o r c a r e e r d e v e l o p m e n t a n d scientific quality.
7

T h e Disruptive I n n o v a t i o n in C a r e project w a s hardly m e n t i o n e d in the self-evaluation report, but f r o m
t h e oral p r e s e n t a t i o n it a p p e a r s t o be an exciting a n d highly i n n o v a t i v e p r o p o s a l . Neither the report
n o r the p r e s e n t a t i o n g a v e m u c h detail a b o u t w h a t kind of care w o u l d o c c u r in t h e n e w services, h o w
this w o u l d be e v a l u a t e d in a research p r o g r a m a n d h o w the project will be f u n d e d . N e v e r t h e l e s s , t h e
scientific p r o p o s a l s h a v e b e e n published in a b o o k a n d t h e s t u d y is likely t o t a k e place. T h e o u t c o m e
c o u l d be g a m e c h a n g i n g and this w o u l d p r o m o t e the viability of t h e Division, w h i c h currently i s
c o n s i d e r e d t o be very g o o d (2).
II.5 Evaluation of Division 3: Neuroscience
Division 3 c o m p r i s e s a total research staff of ~ 8 0 senior scientists, p o s t - d o c s , s t u d e n t s , w i t h Dr B.
R u t t e n , a neuroscientist and p a r t - t i m e clinical psychiatrist, at its h e a d since 2 0 1 2 . T h e Division i s
e n g a g e d in translational and back-translational n e u r o s c i e n c e research, a i m e d at i m p r o v i n g the
u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f n o r m a l a n d pathological f u n c t i o n i n g of the n e r v o u s s y s t e m t o w a r d better
p r e v e n t i o n , d i a g n o s i s a n d t r e a t m e n t of s e v e r e neurological a n d psychiatric d i s e a s e s . Indeed, several
translational research lines of Division 3 h a v e led t o significant a c h i e v e m e n t s for the clinics during the
2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 4 period.
II.5.2 R e s e a r c h quality
Division 3 c o n d u c t s very g o o d , internationally r e c o g n i z e d , translational, multidisciplinary research
w i t h a n a v e r a g e n u m b e r of publications in peer r e v i e w e d j o u r n a l s increasing f r o m ~ 1 3 0 in 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 2
u p t o 2 1 8 in the m o s t recent record. T h e quality of publications h a s also increased, a n d p a p e r s are
regularly published in h i g h - i m p a c t j o u r n a l s . T h e scientific activity is h o w e v e r very broad since it
c o v e r s ten research lines. O f t h e s e , f o u r h a v e t o be distinguished for their very g o o d t o excellent
quality (1-2, s e e II.6): n e u r o m o d u l a t i o n ( D B S , n e u r o s t i m u l a t i o n ) , n e u r o e p i g e n e t i c s ,
n e u r o ( p s y c h o ) i m m u n o l o g y , a n d signal t r a n s d u c t i o n . I n d e e d , t h e s e f o u r t h e m e s are relevant for the
general c o n c e p t of Neuroplasticity, a n d t h e y s h o u l d be t h e priority research a x e s . T h e o t h e r t h e m e s
s e e m m o r e linked t o clinical o b j e c t i v e s of d e p a r t m e n t s ( n e u r o - u r o l o g y , o p h t h a l m o l o g y , n e u r o -
o t o l o g y ) affiliated t o division 3. E n h a n c e d f o c u s o n t h e f o u r m e n t i o n e d t h e m e s s h o u l d allow Division 3
t o g r o w t o w a r d s a w o r l d leading position.
S c i e n t i s t s of Division 3 regularly participate in n u m e r o u s w o r k s h o p s , m e e t i n g s for societal target
g r o u p s , frequently give lectures for public a u d i e n c e s a n d are invited by v a r i o u s m e d i a t o i n f o r m the
public a b o u t t h e p r o g r e s s in n e u r o s c i e n c e research a n d relevant clinical applications. T h e y a l s o h a v e
c o n t i n u o u s c o n t a c t w i t h f a m i l y a s s o c i a t i o n s c o n c e r n e d by C N S d i s e a s e s . M o r e o v e r , several
innovative clinical t o o l s h a v e b e e n d e v e l o p e d , notably t h a n k s t o research p r o g r e s s in
n e u r o m o d u l a t i o n (neurostimulation), o n e of t h e priority translational research d o m a i n s of t h e
N e u r o s c i e n c e division.
T h e innovative research c o n d u c t e d by Division 3 (particularly in n e u r o p s y c h o p h a r m a c o l o g y a n d
n e u r o ( p s y c h o ) i m m u n o l o g y ) led t o 6 registered p a t e n t s (3 in 2 0 1 4 ) , a n d 3 m o r e are ready for
registration s o o n . V a l o r i z a t i o n activity is t h e r e f o r e very g o o d t o excellent, s u p p o r t e d by the
a p p o i n t m e n t of a valorization officer w i t h i n t h e division since 2 0 1 3 . H o w e v e r , n o start-up c o m p a n i e s
h a v e y e t b e e n created f r o m a n y of t h e s e p a t e n t s , a n d this s h o u l d be e n v i s a g e d for t h e c o m i n g y e a r s .
Overall, q u a n t i t y and quality of t h e societal implications of Division 3 h a v e increased m a r k e d l y o v e r
t h e last y e a r s , a n d R e l e v a n c e t o society is t h e r e f o r e c l o s e t o excellent ( 1 , s e e II.6).
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II.5.4 Viability
T h e priority research d o m a i n s of Division 3 ( n e u r o m o d u l a t i o n , n e u r o e p i g e n e t i c s , signal t r a n s d u c t i o n ,
n e u r o ( p s y c h o ) i m m u n o l o g y ) are at t h e n e u r o s c i e n c e s forefront, and further f o c u s o n t h e m s h o u l d
s t r e n g t h e n t h e international leading position of t h e scientists involved. A reorganization of t h e s e f o u r
priority t h e m e s w i t h i n a D e p a r t m e n t of N e u r o s c i e n c e - h e a d e d b y a recognized neuroscientist t o
p r o m o t e t h e c o n t i n u o u s d e v e l o p m e n t of i n n o v a t i v e a p p r o a c h e s in c l o s e collaboration w i t h w o r l d
leading g r o u p s - s h o u l d increase t h e international visibility of t h e b a s i c a n d translational
n e u r o s c i e n c e s in t h e M H e N s S c h o o l for M e n t a l H e a l t h and N e u r o s c i e n c e .
A l t h o u g h direct f u n d i n g h a s significantly d e c r e a s e d during t h e m o s t recent y e a r s ( - 1 8 % in 2 0 1 4
c o m p a r e d t o 2 0 1 2 ) , n u m e r o u s external c o n t r a c t research g r a n t s h a v e b e e n recently o b t a i n e d f r o m
national and international s o u r c e s (reaching a total o f m o r e t h a n 3.7 M E for 2 0 1 5 ) s o t h a t Division 3
h a s successfully p r e s e r v e d its research capacities. N e v e r t h e l e s s , c o n t i n u o u s effort s h o u l d b e m a d e
n o t o n l y t o m a i n t a i n b u t rather t o increase external f u n d i n g t o further i m p r o v e t h e international
visibility o f t h e excellent research carried o u t b y Division 3 . I n particular, P I s s h o u l d join E u r o p e a n
n e t w o r k s , apply t o m o r e E U calls, a n d establish further c o n t a c t s w i t h t h e industry. T h e r e is very g o o d
potential in t e r m s o f talent, and this s h o u l d lead t o m o r e s u c c e s s in obtaining (personal) research
grants.
Altogether, Division 3 is well e q u i p p e d for t h e f u t u r e (1 - 2 , s e e II.6), but a m o r e d y n a m i c s e a r c h of
external f u n d s h a s t o be e n g a g e d for t h e m a i n t e n a n c e of priority research activities at w o r l d leading
level.
II.6 Overall quantitative assessment of the school and divisions, including the teaching
program
Quality Relevance to society Viability
School of MHeNs 2 * 2 *
Division 1 2 * 2 *
Division 2 2 * 2
Division 3 2 * 2 *
Teaching program 1 1
* * According to the new S E P protocol, the Committee is only allowed to give whole numbers. As indicated in the
main text, the Committee considers the scientific quality, societal relevance and viability of the School as a
whole and the three divisions in nearly all cases (here indicated by the asterisk) to be very good to excellent
(equivalent to 1.5).
II.7 Research training program
T h e c o m m i t t e e c o n s i d e r s both t h e M a s t e r ' s a n d P h D p r o g r a m s t o be o u t s t a n d i n g (1, o n t h e scale of
1-4), a real s t r o n g h o l d of t h e S c h o o l o f M H e N s . T h e M a s t e r p r o g r a m in C o g n i t i v e a n d Clinical
N e u r o s c i e n c e is e m b e d d e d in several faculties a n d currently k n o w s f o u r very s u c c e s s f u l t r a c k s a n d
o n e t r a c k t h a t w a s started in recent y e a r s and is rapidly e x p a n d i n g . T h e r e certainly is r o o m f o r a n e w
t r a c k in D r u g d e v e l o p m e n t a n d N e u r o h e a l t h . T h e selection (1 in 2 applicants is a d m i t t e d ) s e e m s t o be
a d e q u a t e .
T h e intended joint E M T N M a s t e r ' s p r o g r a m a s a prequel t o t h e E U R O N P h D p r o g r a m is a laudable
effort.
T h e participation in t h e o t h e r M a s t e r ' s p r o g r a m s is relevant, a l t h o u g h t h e balance b e t w e e n
9

internships in M a a s t r i c h t of s t u d e n t s f r o m t h e M a s t e r in B i o m e d i c a l S c i e n c e s and t h o s e f r o m t h e
M a s t e r in C o g n i t i v e a n d Clinical N e u r o s c i e n c e a p p e a r s t o be m o r e biased t o w a r d s t h e f o r m e r t h a n
desirable: firstly, it s e e m s preferable t o particularly involve t h o s e M a s t e r s t u d e n t s t h a t h a v e m a d e a
deliberate c h o i c e f o r C o g n i t i v e and Clinical N e u r o s c i e n c e in research projects of t h e labs; secondly,
M a s t e r s t u d e n t s in C o g n i t i v e a n d Clinical N e u r o s c i e n c e w h o h a v e not carried o u t their internship in
M a a s t r i c h t m a y be at a d i s a d v a n t a g e in t h e f u t u r e if t h e intended 1 + 3 y e a r s P h D p r o g r a m
materializes.
T h e C o m m i t t e e w a s very positively i m p r e s s e d by t h e e d u c a t i o n at t h e P h D level, as well as by t h e
quality, d e d i c a t i o n a n d e n t h u s i a s m of t h e P h D s t u d e n t s w i t h w h o m t h e C o m m i t t e e interacted. T h e
m e a n P h D s t u d y duration a n d t h e l o w n u m b e r of d r o p o u t s testify t o t h e quality of t h e p r o g r a m and its
s t u d e n t s . T h e T R A C K m o n i t o r i n g s y s t e m is e x e m p l a r y . T h e c o m m i t t e e m e t great satisfaction a m o n g
s t u d e n t s w i t h t h e training p r o g r a m . W e noticed t h a t t h e t e r m s of a t h e s i s (e.g. n u m b e r of
publications) are not a l w a y s clear and vary f r o m PI t o P I . H o w e v e r , this w a s not perceived as a m a j o r
p r o b l e m . H u r d l e s in t h e f o r m of ethical p e r m i s s i o n (both regarding h u m a n a n d a n i m a l research) c a n
p o s e c h a l l e n g e s and need a t t e n t i o n . T h e d u r a t i o n of t h e P h D projects is c o n s i d e r e d t o be short a n d
this w o u l d certainly b e c o m e a challenge in t h e intended 1 + 3 m o d e l .
T h e S c h o o l o f M H e N s m a k e s o p t i m a l l y u s e of its u n i q u e location in t h e close e n v i r o n m e n t of
B e l g i u m , G e r m a n y a n d L u x e m b o u r g . B y joining f o r c e s in t h e E U R O N p r o g r a m , an international flavor
is a d d e d t o t h e teaching p r o g r a m that c a n really be s e e n as an a d d e d value. D u e t o this international
c o l l a b o r a t i o n , t h e c o n s o r t i u m c a n also successfully c o m p e t e for international f u n d i n g . T h e leadership
of t h e s c h o o l o f M H e N S h a s s e c u r e d c o m p e t i t i v e f u n d i n g f r o m N W O and t h e E U .
T h e C o m m i t t e e is s o m e w h a t less e n t h u s i a s t i c a b o u t t h e e x t e n s i v e collaborations w i t h o t h e r partners
w o r l d w i d e . W h i l e partnerships w i t h universities in J a p a n , K o r e a , C h i n a and Brazil - t o n a m e a f e w
c o u n t r i e s - c a n e x p a n d t h e scientific possibilities of M H e N s a n d are s y m p a t h e t i c b e c a u s e excellent
M H e N s practices are shared w i t h partner institutions, t h e c o m m i t t e e also b e c a m e a w a r e of potential
d o w n s i d e s d u r i n g d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h g r o u p leaders, P h D s t u d e n t s a n d p o s t d o c s . H a v i n g s o m a n y
external P h D s t u d e n t s a l s o involves e x t r a w o r k for Maastricht research leaders, w h o already h a v e a
high w o r k l o a d . F u r t h e r m o r e t h e travel d i s t a n c e is s o m e t i m e s an obstacle, a n d having P h D s t u d e n t s
w h o c a n n o t s p e a k D u t c h can be a hurdle in m o r e clinically oriented projects. S o m e t h i n g e v e n raised
by t h e junior scientists is t h a t t h e r e are a l s o cultural differences that p o s e challenges. T h e c o m m i t t e e
a d v i s e s t h a t c o n t e n t - d r i v e n r e a s o n s s h o u l d be t h e m a i n if not only r e a s o n t o start s u c h international
collaborations, rather t h a n increasing t h e i n c o m e of t h e S c h o o l of M H e N s .
II.8 Research integrity
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e C o m m i t t e e , t h e s c h o o l o f M H e N s a d h e r e s t o t h e rules and regulations of scientific
integrity. S c i e n t i s t s are i n f o r m e d of w h a t is e x p e c t e d f r o m t h e m in this respect. N o m a j o r i s s u e s h a v e
arisen o v e r t h e past y e a r s . S t u d e n t s w e r e a w a r e of issues a r o u n d scientific integrity and plagiarism.
Electronic d e t e c t i o n o f plagiarism in m a s t e r t h e s e s a n d P h D t h e s e s is u s e d . T h e C o m m i t t e e p r o p o s e s
t o let s t u d e n t s u s e t h e fraud detection s o f t w a r e t h e m s e l v e s t o test their o w n m a n u s c r i p t s , w h i c h will
increase their a w a r e n e s s of t h e issue.
III RECOMMENDATIONS
B e l o w t h e c o m m i t t e e s u m m a r i z e s t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s . A s m e n t i o n e d before, t h e s e
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s s h o u l d be read in t h e spirit of i m p r o v i n g a S c h o o l that is already p e r f o r m i n g at a
v e r y high level.
10

Quality and research strategy
1 . A i m at an integration of t h e n e u r o s c i e n c e part of t h e Faculty of P s y c h o l o g y and N e u r o s c i e n c e
w i t h t h e M H e N s .
2. S i m p l i f y t h e organizational structure in o r d e r t o i m p r o v e g o v e r n a n c e of t h e S c h o o l o f M H e N S .
T h i s also refers t o t h e n a m i n g , w h i c h will i m p r o v e visibility.
3. Clearly f o c u s o n t h e s t r e n g t h s of Maastricht, i.e. i) t h e research in d e m e n t i a a n d p s y c h o t i c
d i s o r d e r s , ii) t h e a p p r o a c h e s of n e u r o m o d u l a t i o n and n e u r o - e p i g e n e t i c s a n d iii) t h e international
t e a c h i n g p r o g r a m .
4. A p p o i n t a full-time p r o f e s s o r w i t h a s t r o n g t r a c k record in integrative n e u r o s c i e n c e t o h e a d t h e
d e p a r t m e n t of n e u r o s c i e n c e . S u c h a p e r s o n w o u l d a l s o be a natural c h o i c e t o h e a d Division 3 .
5. E n s u r e that e v e r y senior staff m e m b e r is actively e n g a g e d in s e e k i n g grant support, especially
looking at m a j o r personal grants, s u c h a s at t h e Vidi, Vici, and t h e E R C p r o g r a m .
6. E n g a g e in clinical trials w i t h regard t o d r u g d e v e l o p m e n t and t a k e a d v a n t a g e of n e w
c o l l a b o r a t i o n s w i t h p h a r m a industry.
7. T h e n u m b e r of tangible p r o d u c t s , spin-off c o m p a n i e s and public-private p a r t n e r s h i p s c a n b e
b r o u g h t t o a higher level.
8. R e g a r d i n g t h e variable i n c o m e of t h e S c h o o l : M o v e f r o m an incentive s y s t e m b a s e d o n t h e
n u m b e r of P h D t h e s e s t o a s y s t e m partially b a s e d o n additional K P I ' s .
9. M o t i v a t e t h e E t h i c s C o m m i t t e e s t o substantially d e c r e a s e their r e s p o n s e t i m e .
10. T h e a n i m a l facility building is o n its w a y . T h i s project s h o u l d indeed be e x p e d i t e d .
1 1 . F o r m a l l y involve patients a n d c a r e p r o f e s s i o n a l s in t h e design and i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f research
projects a n d specify their i n v o l v e m e n t in clinical grant applications.
MHeNs education and training of young researchers
12. H a v e o r g a n i z e d d i s c u s s i o n s b e t w e e n p r o m o t o r a n d P h D s t u d e n t o r p o s t d o c t o talk a b o u t career
plans.
13. Let s t u d e n t s u s e t h e fraud d e t e c t i o n s o f t w a r e t h e m s e l v e s t o t e s t their o w n m a n u s c r i p t s .
11

IV ANNEXES
Annex 1 - Short Curriculum Vitae Members ERC MHeNs
Professor Marian Joëls (Chair)
S i n c e 2 0 0 9 , P r o f e s s o r M a r i a n Joëls (1956), biologist, is (full) p r o f e s s o r of n e u r o s c i e n c e at t h e
University M e d i c a l C e n t e r Utrecht, t h e N e t h e r l a n d s . Currently s h e is scientific director of t h e Brain
C e n t e r R u d o l f M a g n u s . H e r research f o c u s e s o n t h e effects of s t r e s s in t h e brain. W i t h patch c l a m p
t e c h n o l o g y , s h e s t u d i e s h o w corticosteroid h o r m o n e s c h a n g e cellular f u n c t i o n of limbic n e u r o n s . T h i s
is linked t o t h e underlying m o l e c u l a r m e c h a n i s m a n d t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s at t h e circuit level. A s a final
step, t h e effects of s t r e s s o n functional c o n n e c t i v i t y a n d behavioral o u t c o m e are studied, b o t h in
r o d e n t s a n d h u m a n s . In her w o r k , s h e p a y s particular a t t e n t i o n t o t h e influence of s t r e s s during early
life a n d t h e result of p r o l o n g e d periods of s t r e s s in a d u l t h o o d . T h e relevance of s u c h critical periods
of s t r e s s -in interaction w i t h a vulnerable genetic b a c k g r o u n d - for t h e d e v e l o p m e n t of brain d i s o r d e r s
is investigated in v a r i o u s patient c o h o r t s . H e r w o r k w a s published in ^ 7 5 publications and t o d a t e
h a s b e e n cited ;»15,000 t i m e s . M a r i a n Joëls w a s elected a s a m e m b e r of t h e R o y a l N e t h e r l a n d s
A c a d e m y of A r t s and S c i e n c e s in 2 0 0 2 . S h e s e r v e d a s P r e s i d e n t of t h e F e d e r a t i o n of E u r o p e a n
N e u r o s c i e n c e S o c i e t i e s b e t w e e n 2 0 1 2 and 2 0 1 4 .
Professor Bill Deakin
P r o f e s s o r Bill D e a k i n (1949) g r a d u a t e d in M e d i c i n e at L e e d s University in 1 9 7 3 . H e t o o k an e x t r a y e a r
in his training t o o b t a i n a 1st in P h y s i o l o g y a n d this excited his interest in n e u r o b i o l o g y a n d t h e
o r g a n i z a t i o n of behavior. H e specialized in P s y c h i a t r y and joined t h e Clinical R e s e a r c h C e n t r e at
N o r t h w i c k P a r k , L o n d o n t o further his training a n d w o r k e d o n his P h D at t h e National Institute f o r
M e d i c a l R e s e a r c h , Mill Hill. H e w a s a M R C Training F e l l o w for 5 y e a r s . His P h D investigated h o w
distinct 5 - H T (serotonin) n e u r o n e p a t h w a y s in t h e rat brain h a v e different f u n c t i o n s in regulating
adaptive, c o p i n g r e s p o n s e s t o stress. Bill m o v e d t o t h e University of M a n c h e s t e r a s S e n i o r Lecturer
in t h e early 1 9 8 0 s t o c o n t i n u e 5 - H T research but in clinical e x p e r i m e n t a l m e d i c i n e w i t h v o l u n t e e r s
a n d patients w i t h d e p r e s s i o n , a n x i e t y a n d antisocial behavior. Bill's g r o u p d e v e l o p e d ideas a b o u t t h e
role of g l u t a m a t e in s c h i z o p h r e n i a at first f r o m s t u d i e s in h u m a n p o s t - m o r t e m brain.
Bill D e a k i n h e a d s N e u r o s c i e n c e R e s e a r c h in t h e Division of Psychiatry. A n i m p o r t a n t f o c u s of his
g r o u p is t o u s e m o d e r n i m a g i n g t e c h n i q u e s t o directly visualize 5 - H T a n d g l u t a m a t e w o r k i n g in t h e
brain. P a t i e n t s and v o l u n t e e r s lie in a m a g n e t i c r e s o n a n c e i m a g i n g s c a n n e r a n d t h e i m a g e s s h o w
w h i c h parts of t h e brain r e s p o n d t o d r u g s c h o s e n t o p r o b e 5 - H T or g l u t a m a t e f u n c t i o n i n g and h o w it
p e r f o r m s m e n t a l t a s k s . T h e g r o u p c a n s h o w , for e x a m p l e , t h a t a single d o s e of a n a n t i d e p r e s s a n t
d r u g lights up a r e a s of t h e brain c o n c e r n e d w i t h a n x i e t y r e s p o n s e s and t u r n s off o t h e r a r e a s
c o n c e r n e d w i t h m e m o r y in healthy v o l u n t e e r s . P r o f e s s o r D e a k i n is also t h e e x p e r i m e n t a l m e d i c i n e
lead of t h e U K M e n t a l H e a l t h R e s e a r c h N e t w o r k , a National Institute f o r Health R e s e a r c h S e n i o r
Investigator and a F e l l o w of t h e A c a d e m y of M e d i c a l S c i e n c e s . H e h a s o v e r 2 0 0 refereed publications
a n d a n H-factor of 6 0 .
Professor Michel Hamon
M i c h e l H a m o n (1946) is P r o f e s s o r (emeritus) of N e u r o p h a r m a c o l o g y at t h e University Pierre a n d
M a r i e C u r i e in P a r i s (France). H e h a s created and directed for 2 4 - y e a r s ( 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 0 8 ) an I N S E R M unit
d e v o t e d t o ' N e u r o p s y c h o p h a r m a c o l o g y ' at t h e Faculty of M e d i c i n e Pitié-Salpetrière, a n d is n o w in
t h e C e n t e r f o r P s y c h i a t r y a n d N e u r o s c i e n c e s at S t e A n n e psychiatry hospital. P r o f e s s o r H a m o n ' s
r e s e a r c h interests and e x p e r t i s e include m o l e c u l a r a n d cellular m e c h a n i s m s of action of p s y c h o t r o p i c
d r u g s and d e v e l o p m e n t of relevant preclinical m o d e l s for their study. H e is also involved in s t u d i e s o n
12

p a t h o p h y s i o l o g i c a l m e c h a n i s m s underlying c h r o n i c n e u r o p a t h i c pain a n d s l e e p - w a k e f u l n e s s
disorders. H e is a s s o c i a t e m e m b e r of t h e F r e n c h A c a d e m y of M e d i c i n e , past president of t h e F r e n c h
Société d e s N e u r o s c i e n c e s ( 1 9 9 9 - 2 0 0 1 ) a n d of t h e F r e n c h A s s o c i a t i o n for Biological P s y c h i a t r y and
N e u r o p s y c h o p h a r m a c o l o g y (2010-12), a n d a c t e d as chair of t h e Scientific P r o g r a m C o m m i t t e e of t h e
E u r o p e a n C o l l e g e of N e u r o p s y c h o p h a r m a c o l o g y ( E C N P ) in 2 0 1 0 - 1 2 . P r o f e s s o r H a m o n contributed t o
editorial b o a r d s of several n e u r o s c i e n c e a n d p h a r m a c o l o g y journals, a n d is still in t h e b o a r d s of t h e
W o r l d J o u r n a l o f Biological Psychiatry, Clinical N e u r o p h a r m a c o l o g y , L'Encéphale, E u r o p e a n J o u r n a l
of P h a r m a c o l o g y a n d F u n d a m e n t a l a n d Clinical P h a r m a c o l o g y . H e h a s published o v e r 6 0 0 original
p a p e r s in n e u r o s c i e n c e s a n d n e u r o p s y c h o p h a r m a c o l o g y a n d 2 3 0 review articles, edited 6 b o o k s a n d
h a s a n H-factor (ISI) of 8 5 .
Professor Andreas Monsch
P r o f e s s o r A n d r e a s M o n s c h (1958) is a n e u r o p s y c h o l o g i s t and h e a d s t h e M e m o r y Clinic at t h e
University C e n t e r for M e d i c i n e of A g i n g , Felix Platter Hospital in B a s e l , S w i t z e r l a n d . H e c o n d u c t s
research in t h e fields of ' C o g n i t i o n , E m o t i o n a n d Behavior', a n d ' N e u r o d e g e n e r a t i v e D i s e a s e s ' . H i s
current research f o c u s e s o n preclinical m a r k e r s of A l z h e i m e r ' s d i s e a s e and o t h e r n e u r o d e g e n e r a t i v e
d i s o r d e r s , w i t h a f o c u s o n n e u r o p s y c h o l o g i c a l a s s e s s m e n t . A n d r e a s M o n s c h is president of t h e
A l z h e i m e r F o r u m S w i t z e r l a n d a n d vice-president of t h e A l z h e i m e r A s s o c i a t i o n B a s e l . F u r t h e r m o r e he
is a n a s s o c i a t e editor of t h e J o u r n a l of A l z h e i m e r ' s D i s e a s e and of t h e 'Zeitschrift für Neurogeriatrie'.
B e s i d e s t h e research w o r k at t h e University of Basel, P r o f e s s o r M o n s c h a l s o s e r v e s as a board
m e m b e r of t h e A s s o c i a t i o n of S w i s s M e m o r y Clinics a n d of t h e S w i s s A s s o c i a t i o n o f
N e u r o p s y c h o l o g i s t s . In addition, he is a m e m b e r of several advisory b o a r d s of t h e p h a r m a c e u t i c a l
industry. P r o f e s s o r M o n s c h h a s published o v e r 1 5 0 p e e r - r e v i e w e d scientific papers.
Professor Bart Nuttin
S i n c e 2 0 0 7 , P r o f e s s o r Bart Nuttin (1959) is chief of clinic at t h e University Hospital in L e u v e n a n d is
r e s p o n s i b l e f o r functional and stereotactic n e u r o s u r g e r y . H e is o r h a s b e e n m e m b e r of several
national and international societies, currently c h a i r m a n of t h e C o m m i t t e e f o r N e u r o s u r g e r y for
Psychiatric D i s o r d e r s of t h e W o r l d S o c i e t y for S t e r e o t a c t i c a n d F u n c t i o n a l N e u r o s u r g e r y , t r e a s u r e r of
t h e board of t h e E u r o p e a n S o c i e t y for S t e r e o t a c t i c and F u n c t i o n a l N e u r o s u r g e r y , president of t h e
Belgian S o c i e t y f o r S t e r e o t a c t i c a n d F u n c t i o n a l N e u r o s u r g e r y , president of t h e B e n e l u x
N e u r o m o d u l a t i o n S o c i e t y a n d m e m b e r of t h e C o u n c i l of t h e "Europäische A k a d e m i e zur E r f o r s c h u n g
v o n F o l g e n w i s s e n s c h a f t l i c h - t e c h n i s c h e r E n t w i c k l u n g e n B a d N e u e n a h r - A h r w e i l e r G m b H " .
B e s i d e s his clinical activities, he is also C o o r d i n a t o r of R e s e a r c h of t h e G r o u p of B i o m e d i c a l
S c i e n c e s , K U L e u v e n , starting J a n 1 , 2 0 1 3 . H e is p r o f e s s o r ( " b u i t e n g e w o o n hoogleraar") and t e a c h e s
several c o u r s e s in n e u r o s c i e n c e in t h e faculties of M e d i c i n e and F a B e R . H e h e a d s t h e lab of
E x p e r i m e n t a l F u n c t i o n a l N e u r o s u r g e r y , located within t h e R e s e a r c h G r o u p o f N e u r o s u r g e r y a n d
N e u r o a n a t o m y . H e w a s c o o r d i n a t o r of t h e E r a s m u s M u n d u s project E M M A P A . H e w a s O m b u d s m a n
f o r P h D s t u d e n t s in t h e Faculty of M e d i c i n e K U L e u v e n a n d h e a d e d t h e R e s e a r c h G r o u p of
N e u r o s u r g e r y a n d N e u r o a n a t o m y , but s t o p p e d both positions w h e n he b e c a m e C o o r d i n a t o r of
R e s e a r c h . H e h o l d s (together w i t h P r o f e s s o r L o e s Gabriëls) t h e chair 'Stereotactic N e u r o s u r g e r y for
Psychiatric Disorders', s u p p o r t e d by M e d t r o n i c Inc. P r o f e s s o r Bart Nuttin h a s several research
c o n t r a c t s w i t h industry, t h e E u r o p e a n C o m m i s s i o n , t h e R e s e a r c h C o u n c i l of t h e University, t h e
F l e m i s h G o v e r n m e n t ( S B O ) a n d t h e " F o n d s v o o r W e t e n s c h a p p e l i j k O n d e r z o e k , V l a a n d e r e n ( F W O ) " .
H e is a n d h a s b e e n leading a series of m a s t e r d e g r e e t h e s e s and w a s p r o m o t e r o r c o - p r o m o t e r of 7
successfully finished d o c t o r a l t h e s e s . H e w a s r e v i e w e r f o r several scientific p a p e r s a n d b o o k s . H e
received 2 a w a r d s f r o m t h e " K o n i n k l i j k e A c a d e m i e v o o r G e n e e s k u n d e v a n België". H e h a s published
a series of p a p e r s in national a n d international high i m p a c t j o u r n a l s (e.g. Lancet), w r o t e 2 b o o k s a n d
w a s interviewed 3 t i m e s by N a t u r e . H e o w n s o r h a s applied for 4 patents.
13

Petra Uittenbogaard (Secretary)
In 2 0 0 7 , P e t r a U i t t e n b o g a a r d (1974) received a M a s t e r ' s d e g r e e in H e a l t h S c i e n c e s at M a a s t r i c h t
University. A f t e r having w o r k e d a s a quality m a n a g e r in t h e S t . A n t o n i u s Hospital in N i e u w e g e i n f r o m
1 9 9 7 till 2 0 0 0 , P e t r a m o v e d b a c k t o M a a s t r i c h t and w o r k e d a s a policy advisor a n d organisational
c o n s u l t a n t in a large o r g a n i z a t i o n for care for t h e elderly in H e e r l e n , a n d a s a strategic c o n s u l t a n t in
v a r i o u s health c a r e o r g a n i z a t i o n s . In 2 0 0 2 , s h e w a s c o n t r a c t e d a s an advisor t o t h e E x e c u t i v e B o a r d
of t h e a c a d e m i c hospital in M a a s t r i c h t (azM). H e r project portfolio m a i n l y c o n s i s t e d o f projects in t h e
field of strategic alliances, a c a d e m i c c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h o t h e r hospitals and care suppliers in t h e
M a a s t r i c h t region, organisational d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d projects s h a r e d by both hospital a n d t h e m e d i c a l
faculty ( F H M L ) . P e t r a h a s relevant e x p e r i e n c e in m a n a g i n g t h e p r o c e s s of (inter)national advisory
b o a r d s a n d review c o m m i t t e e s . In D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0 , P e t r a w a s secretary t o t h e External R e v i e w
C o m m i t t e e o n t h e 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 9 e v a l u a t i o n of C A P H R I S c h o o l for Public health a n d P r i m a r y C a r e in
M a a s t r i c h t . In N o v e m b e r 2 0 0 8 , s h e w a s secretary t o t h e International Scientific A d v i s o r y B o a r d o f
C A R I M a t M a a s t r i c h t University. F r o m July 2 0 1 1 , s h e u s e s her k n o w l e d g e a n d e x p e r i e n c e w i t h i n her
o w n c o m p a n y .
14

Annex 2 Site visit program external review MHeNs 2016
Sunday the 17th of January 2016
Location: Kruisherenhotel, Kruisherengang 19-23 Maastricht
17.00 - 17.30 Closed meeting ERC members
17.30 - 18.30 Installation of the ERC by the Dean of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life
Sciences by Prof. Dr. Albert Scherpbier
Introduction School for Mental Health S Neuroscience by Prof. Dr. Harry Steinbusch
(Director)
Overview program ERC
18.30 Drinks and dinner with Dean FHML, Board School
Venue: Kruisherenhotel, Kruisherengang 19-23 Maastricht
Monday the 18th of January 2016
Location: UNS 50, Paarse Zaal, H 1.319 (open meeting for all MHeNs)
09.00 - 09.15 Introduction MHeNs research program by Prof. Dr. Harry Steinbusch
09.15 - 09.45 Presentation Division 1: Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience by Prof. Dr.
Caroline Van Heugten
09.45 - 10.15 Discussion
10.15 - 10.45 Presentation Division 2: Mental Health by Prof. Dr. Jim van Os
11.15 - 11.30 Coffee Break, U N S 50 room 1.142A (MPR)
11.30 - 12.00 Presentation Division 3: Neuroscience by Dr. Bart Rutten
12.30 - 13.15 Lunch, A Z M , Terrace middle 4th floor
13.15 - 14.15 Chairman: Prof. Dr. Carolin van Heugten
Division 1 presentations of staff members
Prof. Dr. Robert Stokroos, Dr. Martin van Boxel, Dr. Heidi Jacobs, Dr. Pieter-Jelle Visser, Dr.
Rob Rouhl,
14.15 - 15.15 Chairman: Prof. Dr. Therese van Amelsvoort
Prof. Dr. Therese van Amelsvoort, Prof. Dr. Philippe Delespaul, Dr. Wolfgang Viechtbauer, Dr.
Koen Schruers
15.15 - 15.30 Coffee Break, U N S 50 room 1.142A (MPR)
15

15.30 - 16.30 Chairman: Dr. Jos Prickaerts
Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Lesch/Dr. Daniel van den Hove, Dr. Pilar Martinez, Dr. Gommert van
Koeveringe, Dr. Tos Berendschot /Prof. Rudy Nuijts, Prof. Dr. Boris Kramer
16.30 - 18.00 Elevator Pitches- Post-docs and PhD students
16.30 - 17.00 Division 1
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Caroline van Heugten
Marc van Hoof: "A hearing implant as part of the body - from the lab to randomized evaluation"
Stephanie Vos: "Biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease"
Ron Handels: "Health-economics of Alzheimer's disease"
Willemijn Jansen: "Prevalence of cerebral amyloid pathology in persons without dementia"
Renske Uiterwijk: "Hypertension, cerebral small vessel disease and cognition"
17.00 - 17.30 Division 2
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Jim van Os
Dennis Hernaus: "Under pressure! Elucidating brain mechanisms behind stress-induced
symptoms of mental illness"
Catherine van Zelst: "Stigma resilience in people with severe mental illness"
Steven Honings: "Psychotic experiences and violence in the general population"
Esther Van Duin: "22q11 deletion syndrome and neurobiological mechanisms for psychoses"
Uli Reininghaus: Childhood adversity, social stress sensitivity, and psychosis: an experience
sampling study
17.30 - 18.00 Division 3
Chairman: Dr. Bart Rutten
Ali Jahanshahianvar: "Neuromodulation S neurotransmitter switching"
Nick van Goethem: "Divergent effects of biased 5HT1A receptor agonists in a novel
translational task: Object Pattern Separation"
Mark van den Hurk: "Single human iPSC-cell derived neuron analyses by electrophysiology
and RNAseq"
Jo Stevens: "Antibody approaches in neurodegeneration"
Sandra Schipper: "GABA dysregulation in epilepsy incl. In vivo L T P "
18.00 - 18.30 Closed meeting ERC
19.00 Diner
Venue: Crown Plaza Hotel, Ruiterij 1, Maastricht.
16

Tuesday the 19th of January 2016
Location: 2.N2.023 Lambert van Kleeftoren
09.00 - 09.50 Presentation MHeNs Master and PhD Education
Master
09.00 - 09.10 Affective Neuroscience, Dr. Koen Schruers
Research Master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience
09.10 - 09.20 Specialization: Psychopathology and Neuropsychology: Dr. Nancy Nicolson
09.20 - 09.30 Specialization: Fundamental Neuroscience: Dr. Jos Prickaerts
09.30 - 09.40 U M PhD program and Track System: Dr. Nancy Nicolson
09.40 - 09.50 International programs: Double and Joint PhD programs and EMTN: Dr. Nicole Senden
09.50 - 10.20 Coffee Break
10.20 - 11.20 Interviews: Staff members, selected by ERC board
11.20 - 12.20 Interviews: Representatives of post-docs/PhD students
12.20 - 13.20 Lunch
13.20 - 14.20 Embedding School M H e N s - ^ M U M C +
Prof. Dr. Albert Scherpbier, Dean of the Faculty F H M L
Prof. Dr. Harry Steinbusch
14.20 - 15.20 ERC members + Prof. Dr. Albert Scherpbier
15.20 - 17.20 Closed meeting ERC
17.20 - 18.00 Feedback to Board and Director School
17

Annex 3 Organogram Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences and MHeNs
Organigramrne
Faculty ofHealth, Medicine and Life Sciences
(FHML)
- ~ - - CARIM CAPHRI nfc^jTVĩ^—MHeNs GROW SHE c lt. Faculty
. Schodfor
Sd,oolfor Public ūf
Ņutrifaon sdw)o|((J|Menta| fM-Oncology Schoolof Health Institute . „ .M t mu Fadlit.es Services
Educatron Cardiovascular HealthandPrimary andTranslatronaI Health and R Developmental Professions M4I Institute MERLN
Diseases Care bollsin Neuroscience Biology Education
Research Uev^prm,-:
Facilities engineeringa
The in the School embedded departments: D-visionofimag.ng Dms™ofNansocoov Ewiu-on«DEE
MassSpectrometry "" Bectron OMMM
Microscopy u«««tov(CWĮ
ÄCY 0
ÄİC
UtaesteWw Petjes L j ^ J ü^—^
Laboratory
De eloomeit Clinical Rehabilrtation Respiratory Clinical ŴswcricsS a ,
and Research Chemstry Medicine MedKin* Neurosoences Gynaecology OntralGlass4 ÜŴ™!^a*a
1 - .. . -r—I Swralaation CMS(HEMIC)
--. Dept.of Med.cal Psychiatry8 Semoes (CGSA)
^**V FamilyMedicine Microbiology Deimatology ^
Caidio Human Otorhinolaryngol
^c-acic Epidemiology Movement Ophthalmology ogy. Head and
Surgery Soences Neck Surgery UhraCentrifuge
Lab(UCL)
IntensiveCare Social Medicine Human Biology Neurosurgery Radiotherapy
nggļ. tfcSSíc, L I -fc
W I ' Y"'"^^*'
H L—- International
Brochermslry HeaĮth
Biomedical Methodology5
Engineering Statistics
GenetXsSiCell HearthServices
Bwlogy Research
Physiology
Pharmacology
I . I
18

Annex 4 Composition (A) and financing (B)
A Composition: research staff at School level
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
MHeNs # fte # fte # fte # fte # fte # fte
Scientific staff
FHML( 1 )
42,00 15,30 43,00 17,44 43,00 16,75 45,00 16,60 45,00 15,51 45,00 14,97
Scientific staff
azM
21,00 4,20 14,00 2,73 36,00 7,22 36,00 7,22 32,00 6,53 32,00 6,53
Post-docs( 2 )
39,00 23,52 42,00 24,00 39,00 22,83 34,00 19,42 31,00 16,71 39,00 21,51
Internal PhD-
students( 3 )
86,00 43,20 80,00 41,66 86,00 43,86 74,00 38,86 82,00 41,99 85,00 44,19
Total
research
staff
188,00 86,22 179,00 85,83 204,00 90,66 189,00 82,11 190,00 80,73 201,00 87,21
Support staff
(research)( 4 )
44,00 22,87 48,00 26,37 51,00 27,20 52,00 28,64 48,00 26,77 40,00 20,42
Support staff
(managerial)( 5 )
2,00 1,50 2,00 1,50 2,00 1,50 2,00 1,50 2,00 1,50 2,00 1,50
Total staff
incl azM
234,00 110,59 229,00 113,70 257,00 119,36 243,00 112,25 240,00 109,00 243,00 109,13
Total staff
excl azM
213,00 106,39 215,00 110,97 221,00 112,14 207,00 105,03 208,00 102,47 211,00 102,60
External PhD-
students( 6 )
77,00 - 90,00 - 103,00 - 111,00 - 125,00 - 149,00 -
Visiting
fellows( 7 )
9,00 - 9,00 - 8,00 - 9,00 - 10,00 - 9,00 -
#: Number of persons active on the School research activities, average MJE (Man-Year Equivalent)
fte: Sum of actual fte-factors (in fulltime equivalents) labeled on the School research activities on 31-dec on any year /
average (1) Comparable with WOPI-categories HGL (Professor), UHD (Associate Professor) and UD (Assistant Profess
tenured and non-tenured staff.
(2) Comparable with WOPI-category 'Onderzoeker' (Researcher) (cat. 1,2,3,4), with completed PhD, not belonging to
scientific staff
(3) Standard PhD (employed)
(4) All support staff working on research (research assistants, lab technicians, and other support staff not working at the
management office)
(5) Support staff working at the School's management office including the scientific director
(6) External PhD (externally or internally funded but not employed)
(7) Visiting fellows are researchers/professors who visit the School for a period of typically one week up to three months to
work with Schools staffmembers
19

B Financing: funding at School level
T a b l e 2 p r e s e n t s i n f o r m a t i o n c o n c e r n i n g f u n d i n g a n d e x p e n d i t u r e s of t h e S c h o o l . T h e f u n d i n g h a s
b e e n d e s c r i b e d b o t h a s t h e n u m b e r of fte a n d in p e r c e n t a g e s . T h e S c h o o l d e p e n d s financially o n (1)
direct f u n d i n g a s well a s o n t h e acquisition of (2) research g r a n t s (obtained in national and
international scientific c o m p e t i t i o n s ) , (3) c o n t r a c t research ( E U f r a m e w o r k , I N T E R R E G , industry etc.)
a n d (4) o t h e r f u n d s f r o m several s o u r c e s s u c h a s s p o n s o r s h i p s , r e v e n u e s f r o m c o u r s e f e e s ,
w o r k s h o p s , training p r o g r a m s , t h e H e a l t h F o u n d a t i o n L i m b u r g , a n d o t h e r industry-related r e v e n u e s .
MHeNs 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Funding fte(5) V fte V fte V fte V fte V fte V
Direct
funding( 1 )
37,04 35yo 42,40 38yo 44,20 39y0 43,71 42y0 34,95 34y0 31,72 31y0
Research
grants( 2 )
12,56 W o 12,80 W o 10,98 W o 7,89 8,32 10,85 W o
Contract
research( 3 )
37,77 36yo 42,97 39y0 40,37 36y0 41,04 39y0 44,06 43y0 43,25 42y0
Other( 4 )
19,02 W o 12,81 W o 16,59 W o 12,40 W o 15,14 15% 16,78 W o
Total
funding
106,39 100y0 110.97 1000/0 112,14 1000/0 105,03 1000 102,47 1000 102,60 1000
Expenditure kE V kE V kE V kE V kE V kE V
Personnel
costs
6.605 68yo 7.214 75y0 7.515 76y0 6.639 71y0 6.665 72% 6.984 74y0
Other costs 3.172 32yo 2.446 25y0 2.383 24y0 2.674 29% 2.560 28% 2.453 26%
Total
expenditure
9.777 1000
7o 9.660 1000/0 9.897 1000/0 9.313 1000 9.225 1000 9.437 1000
(1) Direct funding by FHML / Maastricht University ('basis financiering' / lump sum budget).
(2) Research grants obtained in national and international scientific competition (e.g. grants from NWO, ZonMw and KNAW)
(3) Research contracts for specific research projects obtained from external organisations, such as industry, governmen
ministries, European organisations, including ERC, and charity organisations.
(4) Sponsorships and funds that do not fit the other categories'.
(5) The funding in fte includes the total research staff but excludes the azM-staff.
T h e table s h o w s a slight shift in t h e overall f u n d i n g of t h e S c h o o l t o w a r d s m o r e c o n t r a c t research
(42î in 2 0 1 4 c o m p a r e d t o 3 6 ^ i in 2 0 0 9 ) a n d , o v e r t h e last t w o y e a r s , less direct f u n d i n g (42î in
2 0 1 2 c o m p a r e d t o 31 in 2 0 1 4 ) . T h e majority of t h e e x p e n d i t u r e in t h e period 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 4 w a s
related t o p e r s o n n e l c o s t s (74î).
20

Annex 5 Explanation of the categories utilized to review the School for MHeNS
Meaning of categories in S E P 2015-2021
Category Meaning Research quality Relevance to society Viability
1 World
leading/excellent
The research unit has
been shown to be one of
the few most influential
research groups in the
world in its particular
field.
The research unit makes
an outstanding
contribution to society.
The research unit is
excellently
equipped for the
future.
2 Very good The research unit
conducts very good,
internationally
recognized research.
a very good contribution
to society.
very well equipped
for the future.
3 Good The research unit
conducts good research.
a good contribution to
society.
The research unit
makes responsible
strategic decisions
and is therefore well
equipped for the
future.
4 Unsatisfactory The research unit does
not achieve satisfactory
results in its field.
The research unit does
not make a satisfactory
contribution to society.
not adequately
equipped for the
future.
21

Colophon
S c h o o l for M e n t a l Health a n d N e u r o s c i e n c e
Universiteitssingel 4 0
6 2 2 9 E R M a a s t r i c h t
T h e N e t h e r l a n d s
T +31 (0)43 3 8 8 1021
F +31 (0)43 3 8 8 4 0 8 6
E s e c r - m h e n s @ m a a s t r i c h t u n i v e r s i t y . n l
I w w w . m a a s t r i c h t u n i v e r s i t y . n l / m h e n s w w w . e u r o n s c h o o l . e u
Edited by
P e t r a U i t t e n b o g a a r d , M S c ,
S e c r e t a r y t o t h e external review c o m m i t t e e
P r o f e s s o r M a r i a n Joëls, Chair
22

www.maastrichtuniversity.nl
Based in Europe,focused on the world.Maastricht University is
a stimulating environment.Where research and teaching are
complementary.Where innovation is our focus.Where talent
can flourish.A truly student oriented research university.
Contact information
School for Mental Health and Neuroscience
Universiteitssingel 40
6211 ER Maastricht
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 43 388 1021
E-mail: secr-mhens@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Internet: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/mhens
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl
Based in Europe,focused on the world.Maastricht University is
a stimulating environment.Where research and teaching are
complementary.Where innovation is our focus.Where talent
can flourish.A truly student oriented research university.
Contact information
School for Mental Health and Neuroscience
Universiteitssingel 40
6211 ER Maastricht
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 43 388 1021
E-mail: secr-mhens@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Internet: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/mhens

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