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A personal connection to MS With the CBR already planning to launch a new research clinic focused on MS before the post was advertised, Hanneke says the role felt like destiny. “When I read the vacancy description, it felt like it was written for me,” she says, adding that she “fell in love” with New Zealand during a campervan holiday 13 years ago. In the Netherlands, Hanneke was Scientific Director at Lieden University’s Institute of Psychology, and Director of the MindS-lab, which studies cognitive rehabilitation for people with MS and Parkinson’s disease. She is particularly interested in why some people with MS experience cognitive decline more than others, and what can be done to preserve cognitive function. “From living with Mum, I knew MS impacts not only the person with the disease, but the life of their family,” she says. Her approach is holistic, looking beyond lab-based studies to consider the broader circumstances that shape a person’s experience of MS. “When examining cognitive processes, it’s essential to look at brain structure and function, but other factors also have a profound influence on cognition – such as a person’s social life, friendships, support networks, employment, sense of purpose, financial independence, mood, and fatigue.” One of the research projects Hanneke led used attention training tools, such as specialised computer games, to improve cognition in patients with brain disorders. However, the benefits were only significant when participants had intact, functional brain connectivity at the start of the intervention. “That finding inspiredme to propose a paradigm shift within the world of cognitive rehabilitation: interventions need to start earlier rather than later to preserve cognitive functioning in people with brain disorders,” she says. “MS often surfaces when people are between 20 and 40 years old, so they’re in the prime of their life when they’re hit by this brain disorder. There are a lot of years left, so there’s the potential to make a big difference for this group, who are making career decisions and deciding whether to start a family.” Looking ahead Having stepped into the role on December 1, Hanneke says she is excited about building a world-class research programme in MS and integrating New Zealand more strongly into international research networks to enhance the CBR’s global impact. Before that, however, her first goal is to listen. “I’ll start by listening to the people first and seeing what the Centre for Brain Research needs most.” She adds that in a climate of limited funding, collaboration and wise use of resources will be front of mind. “We can make a real difference for people living with brain disorders.” Alongside her leadership of the CBR, Hanneke will hold an appointment in the University’s School of Psychology and will lecture in psychological medicine. “Our understanding of the brain is advancing so rapidlywith new technologies and the Centre is really well poised to be a part of that future, but it's vital that in all the excitement we retain a genuine sense of purpose, one that keeps people at the centre of it all.” Professor Hanneke Hulst “It’s an adventure moving across the world – and a chance to contribute to something truly special.” Professor Hanneke Hulst Headlines 9