About us
Bone, Imaging and Genomics (BIG) Research Group
We are embedded in the “Hormones & Metabolism” research theme of the department of Internal Medicine of Erasmus MC. We collaborate closely with other research groups and draw research with patients from the different sectors (and outpatient clinics). Members of our team are key players in the “Human Disease Models”, “Genomics”, and “MIDAS” cross-connections directed at supporting the research groups of the department, Erasmus MC and beyond.
Mission
To advance musculoskeletal health by integrating bone biology, imaging, genomics, epidemiology, and artificial intelligence across the full spectrum of research—from fundamental biological mechanisms to precision medicine for skeletal disorders
Vision
To transform global musculoskeletal health by discovering the biological roots of disease, pioneering next-generation diagnostics and therapies, and delivering personalized care for every patient.
The Team
Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in bone biology, medical imaging, genomics, data science, and clinical research. Working within Erasmus MC and alongside national and international partners, we share one goal: to better understand musculoskeletal health and translate scientific discoveries into improved prevention, diagnosis, and patient care.
Fernando Rivadeneira
Principal Investigator
Professor Dr. MD PhD
Bram van der Eerden
Principal Investigator,
Associate Professor PhD
Evert van Velsen
Principal Investigator
MD PhD MSc
Maria Carolina Medina Gomez
Assistant professor
Katerina Trajanoska
Assistant professor
Marjolein van Driel
Assistant professor
Jeroen van de Peppel
Assistant professor
Marijke Koedam
Lab Technician
Jasmijn Erpelinck
Lab Technician
Iris van den Berge – Robbesom
Lab Technician
Siwen Li
PhD Researcher
Vid Prijatelj
PhD Researcher
Jiawei Li
PhD Researcher
Yudong Zhao
PhD Researcher
Siyuan Ruan
PhD Researcher
Rebeca Hernandez Hernandez
PhD Researcher
Rana Mabrouk
PhD Researcher
Mengyuan Cai
PhD Researcher
Max Gijsbertsen
PhD Researcher
Xinpeng He
PhD Researcher
Li Chen
PhD Researcher
Kai Hu
PhD Researcher
Kirsty Huininga
PhD Researcher
Tarsila de Moura Figueiredo
PhD Researcher
Nina Gerrekens
PhD Researcher
Diana Nooten
Research Assistant
Sybren van Hal
AIOS
Zografia Zervou
AIOS
Salina Smet
Research Nurse
Victoria Novodranova
Research Assistant
Douaa Oualkadi
Student Research Assistant
Laura Dodeman
Student Research Assistant