Wouter Derks

Background

About Wouter Derks

My mission is to translate scientific discoveries into real-world therapies for patients with heart disease. As a Scientist at Johnson & Johnson MedTech | Heart Recovery, I manage and support academic research partnerships, oversee collaborative research programs, and serve as a liaison between the company and research institutions. I assess grant proposals, guide research funding decisions, and contribute to clinical advancements by writing clinical study protocols. My work is dedicated to expanding the knowledge base in cardiac unloading and recovery. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Scientist at TU Dresden’s Center for Regenerative Therapies, I investigated heart regeneration using innovative techniques such as radiocarbon birth dating, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and organoids, and optogenetics. I also contributed to teaching and mentoring students in regenerative medicine. My PhD research at Maastricht University focused on the role of inflammation in cardiac disease, utilizing both in vivo and in vitro models to study heart disease. With a strong background in cardiovascular research, I have led and collaborated on projects across academia and industry, leveraging my expertise in the lab and molecular biology. I am also certified as project leader in pre-clinical model experimentation (FELASA C) and genetic engineering (GenTSV § 15). I thrive in dynamic, interdisciplinary environments and bring enthusiasm, and curiosity to every challenge. Let’s connect!