Speakers

Robert-Jan works in the field of genetic prenatal diagnosis since 1991. He obtained a degree as a clinical geneticist, clinical genetic laboratory specialist in prenatal cytogenetics in Rotterdam, and was trained in Paris and Houston in DNA research/positional cloning/mapping studies of neurological- and limb disorders. He has been heading the prenatal cytogenetic laboratory and clinical genetic prenatal staff and later the genetic counselling group of the dpt. of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, during 19 years. His main research interests regards medical, ethical and psychological aspects of introduction of new techniques in prenatal medicine. A second line of our research concerns clinical and genetic studies in cases of congenital limb anomalies. 

He has advised the government, local institutions and was involved in training people in the set- up of his field in countries like Georgia and Iran. He was and is member of several Dutch committees related to his working field, for instance member of the executive committee of the Dutch NIPT consortium, the Dutch committee on indications for PGT, member of the Dutch Program Committee on prenatal screening.