My PhD defence has taken place on 10 June 2025, 10:00 at the Arenberg Castle in Leuven, Belgium.

The full thesis is available online as a PDF or can be read chapter by chapter on this website.

Please also see the acknowledgements in which I would like to thank you all for your continuing support.

Venue: Arenberg Castle

Arenberg Castle.

As it is the oldest university in the low countries, the campus of KU Leuven consists of buildings from many centuries. I had the privilege to invite you to the Castle of Arenberg built in the 16th century, located just a few kilometres outside Leuven.

Map of the venue. (Source: OpenStreetMap)

The defence took place in the main auditorium of Arenberg Castle. A watermill at the stream in front of the castle.

The stairwell up to the auditorium. Printed copies of the thesis were available at the defence. Including personalised bookmarks.

10:00: Entrance

Slowly, the seats were filling up. Right on time, the professors arrived.

The jury was introduced by the chairman. Finally, he handed over the word to me.

10:30: Presentation

While the audience patiently listened, … … I faced everyone behind a podium.

I had some culture wells with me to demonstrate the sizes of heart tissue samples. My presentation ranged from the basics to state-of-the-art methods.

11:15: Questions from the jury

Next, it was time for the jury members to ask their questions. I took my time to answer each of them to the best of my knowledge.

Due to a train strike, more professors than expected had to join in remotely via video call. Unfortunately, even my promotor at LUMC. A lot of them were there in person as well though.

Even my friends and family asked interesting questions!

12:15: Congratulations

After a bit of a wait for the professors’ deliberations in the chapel of the castle, … … they returned with the certificates in hand.

Due to Leiden University protocol, I was not allowed to shake the hand of Twan de Vries. This was not the case for KU Leuven professors, who shook my hand congratulatorily.

I was happy they were willing to take a photo in the lecture hall.

12:30: Reception

I was welcomed by applause in the ceremonial halls of the castle. So many people gathered in Leuven for my defence.

I felt really priviliged to be allowed to defend in these halls.

Catering

The catering provided a variety of drinks.

A well deserved first sip of beer. Waiters were offering snacks to the guests. The “cosy” package included various happjes, like beetroot, couscous and tomato soup. Eet smakelijk!

Gifts

Many guests wrote into the guest book, more memories to be kept forever. My PhD diploma in the “bul” was towering over heart-shaped balloons. I got 55 marzipan hearts, the number of months since I started my PhD.