Katja van den Hurk appointed as Professor by special appointment on Donor Health
She has been appointed effective September 1 , 2025.
Katja's research specifically addresses key questions such as: How can we prevent iron deficiency in blood donors? What are the health effects of frequent plasma donations? How do individual factors such as biomarker levels, genetics, diet and menstrual cycles impact these outcomes? By studying these interactions and by testing preventive measures like adjusting donation intervals or providing supplements, she aims to ensure that donations are both safe and sustainable.
By translating research findings into smart algorithms, Katja is paving the way for more personalized donor policies: tailored approaches that protect donor health while ensuring a stable, reliable blood supply.
Since 2013, as Principal Investigator at Sanquin Research and Head of the Donor Studies group, Katja has successfully developed the research line on Donor Health, building an extensive international network along the way. This research is of broad societal importance. Healthy donors are essential for patient care and the continuity of our blood supply.
The chair, housed at Amsterdam UMC, emphasizes the collaboration between Sanquin and Amsterdam UMC and aims to protect those who give while safeguarding patients and public health.