Thomaz Bastiaanssen, PhD

Thomaz Bastiaanssen a bioinformatician interested in the interplay between the gut microbiome and host mood and mental health. He has a background in Biology (UU, Utrecht, NL) and a PhD in Neuroscience (UCC, Cork, IRL).

The focus of his research currently lies in understanding microbiome-gut-brain communication from a theoretical ecology/bioinformatics perspective. In particular, he is interested in understanding the role of stability and volatility of the gut microbiome in anxiety and depression and in integrating different types of ’omics data in a biologically interpretable manner. As a bioinformatician, Thomaz values clear and easily interpretable analysis of complex data in order to promote interdisciplinary collaboration. 

After working as the lead bioinformatician in Prof. Cryans microbiome-gut-brain axis lab in Cork, Ireland, he recently transitioned to a new position in Amsterdam UMC with Prof. Brenda Penninx. There, was awarded a VENI project to further his research on the role of the microbiome in depression and anxiety in the Dutch NESDA cohort.