Strengthening Scientific Synergies in the BEHIND-MS Consortium

Partner Visits in Zurich and Rotterdam

Posted on July 16, 2025  •  3 minutes  • 500 words

Strengthening Scientific Synergies in the BEHIND-MS Consortium: Partner Visits in Zurich and Rotterdam

In collaborative research, face-to-face interactions often bring an added dimension of depth and momentum that emails and online meetings cannot fully replace. Within the BEHIND-MS consortium, recent exchange visits between partners have reinforced the value of close coordination, shared learning, and mutual inspiration across institutions.

This year, two key visits took place between partners leading Work Packages 2 and 4 of the BEHIND-MS project: the University of Zurich’s Institute of Experimental Immunology, co-directed by Prof. Christian Münz, and the MS Center ErasMS at Erasmus MC, led by Prof. Marvin van Luijn.

March: A Visit to Zurich

On March 25, Prof. Marvin van Luijn and members of his team visited Christian Münz’s group in Zurich. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to deepen discussions around shared scientific goals and collaborative activities, particularly regarding Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) biology and its relationship to multiple sclerosis (MS).

In addition to strategic planning sessions, the visit served to connect junior researchers from both institutions, fostering a sense of joint ownership over the experimental work. The exchange of ideas among early career scientists and senior investigators alike helped clarify experimental directions and sow seeds for new collaborative efforts.

“I was inspired by all the immunological research activities within UZH and had many fruitful discussions how to further connect and take our EBV-related B- and T-cell work in MS to an even higher level” – Dr. Marvin van Luijn, Erasmus MC

June: A Visit to Rotterdam

The collaboration came full circle on June 26, when Prof. Münz visited Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. Hosted by Prof. van Luijn and his team, the visit featured a rich and tightly packed agenda, including a masterclass, individual meetings with leading immunologists, and a comprehensive seminar session showcasing cutting-edge research at the department of Immunology as part of MS Center ErasMS.

Throughout the day, Prof. Münz engaged with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and PIs across the departments of Immunology and Neurology. The visit culminated in a detailed overview of ongoing studies within the BEHIND-MS framework, including investigations into anti-EBNA1 antibody responses, EBV-specific T cells, and B cell migration into the central nervous system.

These in-person exchanges exemplify the collaborative spirit at the heart of BEHIND-MS. They do more than coordinate research activities - they build trust, enhance mutual understanding, and open new avenues for scientific discovery that might not arise through remote interactions alone.

“I enjoyed discussing the links between EBV and MS with the early career scientists at EMC and was amazed by the professional presentations of their experimental data.” – Prof. Christian Münz, University of Zurich

As the BEHIND-MS consortium moves forward in its mission to understand the role of EBV in MS onset and progression, such visits remind us that true scientific progress is not just about individual excellence, but about building bridges - between people, disciplines, and institutions.