Exchange Program Interview
17 March 2025
Exchange Programme Interview: Dr. Daan Bosshardt
Two members of VASCERN have recently been honoured for their work in rare vascular diseases. Professor Miikka Vikkula received the EURORDIS Scientific Award 2024, and Professor Bart Loeys was awarded a Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Barcelona.
Professor Bart Loeys Awarded Doctor Honoris Causa
On February, 17 2025, the University of Barcelona awarded Professor Bart Loeys a Doctor Honoris Causa for his contributions to the study of Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. He received this honour alongside Professor Hal Dietz, a long-time collaborator.
The ceremony was well attended, featuring the presence of two VASCERN European Patient Advocacy Group (ePAG) representatives—one from the Heritable Thoracic Aortic Diseases Working Group and another from the Medium-Sized Arteries Working Group.
In his LinkedIn post, Professor Loeys reflected on the teamwork behind scientific progress. He thanked researchers, lab technicians, PhD students, and postdocs, acknowledging their role in advancing research. He also highlighted the importance of patients and families, whose experiences continue to guide his work.
You can watch the ceremony here.
Professor Miikka Vikkula receives the EURORDIS Scientific Award 2024
The EURORDIS Scientific Award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to rare disease research. This year, Professor Miikka Vikkula has been selected for his groundbreaking work on vascular anomalies.
His research has helped to improve the understanding and treatment of these conditions. Some of his key contributions include:
- Identifying critical genetic mutations, such as TIE2, which play a role in vascular anomalies.
- Developing new treatment approaches, including sirolimus, and leading clinical trials such as the VASE trial.
Professor Vikkula is also active in the rare disease community, taking on roles such as:
- Chair of the VASCERN Vascular Anomalies Working Group (VASCA-WG)
- Chair of the Scientific Committee at the International Vascular Anomalies Conference
- Vice President of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA)
His work continues to shape research, treatment, and patient care in this field.
He received the award at the 14th edition of the EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards, which took place on Monday, 24 February 2025, at the Cardo Hotel in Brussels.
Recognition for work that makes a difference
Both Professor Miikka Vikkula and Professor Bart Loeys have played an important role in advancing knowledge, improving care, and supporting the rare disease community. VASCERN congratulates them on their achievements.