Prof. Dr. Ans van der Ploeg Bids an Honorable Farewell with Inspiring Symposium ‘Dare to Dream’
30 june 2025
On Friday, June 27, Prof. Dr. Ans van der Ploeg stepped down as head of the Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases (CLMZ) at Erasmus MC.
The symposium ‘Dare to Dream’, organized in honor of her farewell, brought together colleagues, researchers, patients, family members, and policymakers to reflect on the remarkable career of Prof. Dr. Ans van der Ploeg. In addition to paying tribute to her work, the program was firmly focused on the future: how can we continue to push boundaries and pursue dreams to improve care and prospects for people with rare diseases? The symposium thus offered not only a look back, but also inspiration and direction for the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers.
A Pioneer in Rare Diseases
Prof. Van der Ploeg played a key role in developing the first effective treatment for Pompe disease — a rare, inherited muscle disorder. Under her leadership, the CLMZ grew into an internationally renowned center of expertise in lysosomal and metabolic disorders. Her multidisciplinary approach, which integrates care, science, and the patient perspective, is widely praised. She built bridges between laboratory research and clinical practice, and gave people with rare diseases not only a voice, but also hope for the future. Her research led to improved diagnostics and innovative therapies that have profoundly changed the lives of hundreds of patients around the world.
Royal Decoration
During the symposium, Prof. Van der Ploeg was appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Mayor Jolanda de Witte of Albrandswaard presented the royal decoration as recognition of her exceptional contributions to science, healthcare, and societal impact. The medal was pinned on her amid resounding applause from those present.
A Special Moment
The symposium was rich in content, with contributions from speakers from both the Netherlands and abroad, who reflected on the work and impact of Ans van der Ploeg. At the same time, the focus turned to the future: under new leadership, the CLMZ will continue to build on her vision. For although she is stepping down from her position, Prof. Van der Ploeg remains a source of inspiration for many. Her legacy lives on in the patients whose futures were made possible by her treatments — and in the generations of doctors and researchers she has trained.
