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Matthijn de Boer to become new EPIZONE coordinator: “Strong collaboration will shape the future of animal health”
Matthijn de Boer from Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR, part of Wageningen University & Research) has been appointed as the new coordinator of EPIZONE. He will officially take this role on May 1, 2025, succeeding Professor Wim van der Poel, who has led the international network since its foundation in 2006.
“I am inspired by EPIZONE’s mission and its potential to shape the future of animal health through collaboration and shared expertise,” says Matthijn. “Bringing people together to tackle scientific challenges gives me energy, and the buzz of a room full of scientists exchanging ideas always puts a smile on my face.”
The EPIZONE European Research Group (ERG) is a network of veterinary research institutes focused on epizootic animal diseases, including those with zoonotic potential. Its mission is to strengthen preparedness, prevention, detection, and control of animal diseases, ultimately protecting both animal and public health.
As Head of the Statutory Tasks Unit for Transmissible Animal Diseases (WOT-BD) at WBVR, Matthijn has extensive experience in coordinating national and international research programs.
“Having been part of Young EPIZONE in its early days, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable this network is in supporting the next generation of researchers. I want to continue that momentum by expanding opportunities for young professionals and ensuring EPIZONE remains a vibrant platform for collaboration and growth,” he says.
Vision
Matthijn also shared his vision for EPIZONE’s future: to welcome new partners, support short-term scientific missions and workshops, and enhance connections between early-career and established scientists.
That’s where EPIZONE’s strength lies – in bringing people together. I see real potential in creating joint projects that link fresh perspectives with the collective scientific knowledge within EPIZONE.
Looking ahead, the new EPIZONE’s leader acknowledges the increasing pressure faced by individual institutes in responding to a rising number of disease outbreaks. In the past five years alone, threats like avian influenza, African swine fever, bluetongue, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have highlighted the urgency of working together.
“For some of these diseases no treatment or vaccine is available yet,” Matthijn says. The incidence of vector-borne diseases is also increasing, making international cooperation more important than ever.
EPIZONE plays a key role in addressing these challenges. “Sharing knowledge, providing training, and working together on research to develop preventive measures - this is how we make progress.”
Professor Wim van der Poel, who has led EPIZONE for nearly two decades, fully supports the transition.
“Matthijn is an experienced leader in animal health research. I’m confident he will be an excellent coordinator,” Wim says. “I want to thank everyone for the productive and enjoyable collaboration over the years. I wish Matthijn and the EPIZONE community continued success.”
EPIZONE nowadays brings together 15 institutes across Europe, including partners in the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, and Serbia. Looking ahead, the new coordinator sees opportunity in growing the scientific network and strengthening its impact on preventing and controlling animal diseases worldwide.