Martijn is the Senior Program Manager for the "More Knowledge with Fewer Animals" program at ZonMw. In this strategic role as a research funder, he actively drives the transition toward modern science by championing the development, validation, and implementation of innovative animal-free methodologies, while advocating for responsible research practices across the biomedical sector. Being an immunologist by training, Martijn brings a deep foundation in preclinical research to his funding oversight. He previously served as a Principal Investigator at the Amsterdam UMC (AMC) and Sanquin, where his laboratory investigated how immune activation influences blood cell formation in the bone marrow. This extensive experience spanning nearly every cell type of the immune system provides him with firsthand understanding of the translation from basic research to strategic application. His journey from investigating the intricacies of immune activation to steering a national funding program is fueled by a singular passion: the belief that scientific excellence thrives when we innovate beyond traditional boundaries, replacing legacy models with precise, human-relevant technologies that advance both discovery and ethical progress.