In January 2007, LACDR’s new Scientific Advisory Board was established to provide solicited and unsolicited advice on the research strategy of LACDR and the education programs in Leiden and Amsterdam. The Scientific Advisory Board is also involved in the International Peer Review process of LACDR.

From its initial discussions, the Scientific Advisory Board concludes that the LACDR has a strong position to remain a major ontributor to advancement of fundamental and applied science in many fields of drug research, blending cademic, societal and entrepreneurial responsibilities. Defining and managing an appropriate balance etween breadth and depth of research programs, whilst capitalizing on the diversity and coherence of technology platforms, disease research areas, and research themes within the Divisions, will be a major river of success.

Last but not least, fundamental to the future of the LACDR are intense interactions between research activities and the training and education programs. Several opportunities to adjust and expand the education programs are emerging so that future needs are met for scientific excellence in academia and industry.

Current members of the LACDR Scientific Advisory Board are:

* Professor Ferry Breedveld, Chairman Board of Directors, Leiden University Medical Center
* Professor Daan Crommelin, Scientific Director, Top Institute Pharma
* Dr. David Nicholson, Executive Vice President Research and Development, Organon/Schering Plough
* Dr. Paul Soons [Chairman], Vice President Clinical Pharmacology worldwide, Johnson & Johnson
* Professor Dinko Valerio, founder and former CEO of Crucell, and co-founder of Aescap Venture