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Jan Anthonie Bruijn is a renowned Dutch pathologist, senator, supervisor, and former President of the Senate of the States General. He takes his audience behind the scenes of politics, science, and healthcare.
If you get to do what you love, you never really feel busy.
Prof. Dr. Jan Anthonie Bruijn is a renowned Dutch pathologist, professor, senator, supervisor, and former President of the Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal. In September 2025, he was appointed Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport in the caretaker Schoof cabinet. Jan Anthonie combines an impressive academic and administrative career with in-depth knowledge of Dutch politics and healthcare.
Jan Anthonie Bruijn is an inspiring and engaging speaker who takes his audience behind the scenes of politics, science, and healthcare. He speaks passionately about the challenges and opportunities in healthcare, the role of science in society, and the future of Dutch democracy. His presentations are known for their depth and humor.
Jan Anthonie is a great lover of art and cabaret, something that is reflected in his language: always a sharp remark, a quick joke, or a striking one-liner. At a young age, he already played piano to earn extra money, and later he became one of the co-founders of the Hermes House Band. He has many years of experience as a supervisor in healthcare and education and served, among other roles, as Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten.
Wonder is the beginning of insight.
Jan Anthonie studied medicine and specialized in immunopathology, particularly of the kidney. From 1996 to 2025, he was Professor of Immunopathology at the Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum (LUMC) and published numerous scientific articles on kidney diseases and immunology. His research and teaching contributed to important insights into the treatment of kidney disease and diabetes.
As a member of the VVD, Jan Anthonie chaired the national election program committee three times. From 2012 to 2025, he was a member of the Senate. Between 2019 and 2025, he served as President of the Senate, where he was known for his humor, accessibility, and ability to interpret complex political and societal issues. In September 2025, he was appointed Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, a role in which he focused on healthcare innovation, prevention, and strengthening the Dutch healthcare system.