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David Burger, born in Ridderkerk (near Rotterdam) in 1964. I’m working as a hospital pharmacist/clinical pharmacologist and professor of clinical pharmacy in the Department of Pharmacy. I’m a member and theme leader of Infectious Diseases & Global Health.
Where do you live?
I live half-way Radboudumc and the NEC stadium with my wife Marga who works at the Geriatrics department here at Radboudumc.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your childhood years?
Like many (all) young boys, I wanted to become a professional football player, preferably as a left-wing defender like Ruud Krol, although I later realized he was right footed while I’m left footed. To reach that position, I spent most of my time on the soccer field, but at the end was not talented enough.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
I did my Pharmacy studies in Utrecht, although I had chosen that direction without having any idea what a pharmacist was doing as a job. My favorite classes at high school were chemistry and biology and Pharmacy turned out to be the ideal mix of these two.
Which of your research discoveries are you most proud of?
Most recently, we found that adult tablets of the HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir could effectively and safely be used by children weighing as low as 20kg. This discovery led to a recommendation by the WHO, registration of this dose by FDA and EMA, and now at least half-a-million of children living with HIV in Africa are receiving this medication.
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
We are currently working on the development of a fixed-dose combination for HIV treatment in children, including the above-mentioned agent dolutegravir. The two other agents in this regimen (tenofovir alafenamide fumarate & emtricitabine) have not yet been developed in children, but if we are successful, we will have the same and the best regimen developed in adults and children; we named the project UNIVERSAL for that reason.
If you could choose any mentor, who would it be?
To be honest, at my age (57) I’m not really looking for a mentor anymore, but I have good memories of some people who have been very important in my life, such as Prof Jos Beijnen who stimulated me to specialize in research; Dr Pieter Meenhorst who showed me how to integrate clinical pharmacology in infectious disease; Prof. Chiel Hekster who discovered the teacher in me; and the late Prof. Joep Lange who demonstrated that you can be both scientist AND activist.
What is your favorite topic: molecules - patients - population?
As a clinical researcher I’m mostly patient-centered, although I have translational projects in both directions to molecules and population.
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
We all strive to have a significant impact on health, and it would be good if we could come up with objective measurements how that can be assessed.
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
Don’t do that, sleep is an undervalued part of life. But if you do it: bring a piece of Marikenbrood and I’ll forgive you.
What is the thing that irritates you most?
It’s a cliché, but bureaucracy in research. Too many administrative, legal and financial restrictions blunt the creative process of dosing research.
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
My former PhD candidates; I liked to organize this whenever there was something to celebrate but due to Covid-19 it has not been possible so far.
How do you relax from the demanding job being a scientist?
I like to go to the cinema, to NEC, to go for long distance walking; all of these activities can end with a craft beer.
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
Enjoy this wonderful time where you can develop yourself without getting lost in too many obligations and try to make friends for the rest of your life.
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of? Please explain.
Here you see me at a recent walk near Culemborg. Never been there? Go for it: https://klompenpaden.nl/klompenpad/goilberdingerpad/
