Our group studies how genetic variation contributes to the development and progression of heart diseases and related traits, integrating large-scale genomic, imaging, and clinical.

A central focus of the group is the development of computational and statistical methods that make large-scale genetic analyses more accessible and reproducible. The team creates and maintains software and pipelines for genetic association studies and variant interpretation, including the LoFTK framework, which identifies predicted loss-of-function variants and gene knockouts in human populations.

In parallel, we apply these methods to understand the genetic mechanisms of cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and heart transplant rejection. By combining genomic data with advanced imaging techniques such as AI-based cardiac MRI and ECG analysis, we associate genetic variation with measurable changes in cardiac structure and function.

Through close collaboration with clinical and research departments across UMC Utrecht, our group aims to translate genetic discoveries into better disease prediction, earlier diagnosis, and more personalized treatment strategies.