She played a key part in initiating the successful Strategic Alliance in Regenerative Medicine (RM) between UMC Utrecht, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Utrecht University (UU), and serves as the director of the collaborative Master’s Program RM and Technology, jointly offered by UMC Utrecht, TU/e and UU.
Verhaar is an internationally established researcher operating at the forefront of regenerative nephrology and integrating vascular biology. She has (co-)authored >350 peer-reviewed papers, and has received numerous research grants, including the prestigious NWO VENI, VIDI and ASPASIA grants, and two large NWO Translational Adult Stem cell (TAS) grants for her research into new applications for adult stem cells. With her guidance, 42 PhD students have completed their research and have gone on to hold diverse positions both nationally and internationally. Verhaar is internationally and highly respected for her contributions to the field. She serves as a member of key (inter)national committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board of the Dutch Kidney Foundation; the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Renal Association (ERA); and holds the chair position of the CME committee of the ERA. Furthermore, she serves as chair of the ‘Investments for the Future’ ANR evaluation committee, overseeing the selection process of French University Hospital Institutes. She is a frequently asked speaker and an elected member of AcademiaNet for Outstanding Female Scientists and Scholars; International Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA); and Distinguished Fellow of the European Renal Association (FERA).