About Niels: 

Niels is Alopecia UK’s Research and Liaison Manager and joined the charity in October 2022. He has been living in Scotland since moving there in 2012 to study at the University of Stirling. Although originally from the Netherlands, he now considers himself to be part Scottish (he even wears a kilt sometimes). He loves to get out into nature and take pictures of wildlife and landscapes while hiking through forests and up hills.  

Niels’ background: 

Before joining Alopecia UK, Niels was a researcher studying nutrition and exercise. For his PhD, he looked at how differences in nutrition affect the body during times of physical stress (such as weight loss, and exercise). He wants to make science more accessible to the general public, by helping the scientific community come together with those who can benefit from their findings, and sharing research updates in accessible ways.

Niels at Alopecia UK: 

By sharing the latest evidence-based information, Niels hopes to help our community understand the research that is happening, and what this means for them, so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare. Another aspect of his role is involving people in research directly, through ‘Patient and Public Involvement’ activities. This helps make sure research works on areas with the highest priority and in ways that are sensitive to the needs and wishes of people affected by alopecia. Finally, he also manages our research funding – the grants we give to researchers – to try to find answers to the most pressing questions.

Why Alopecia UK: 

“It’s so much more than ‘just hair’. Hair helps our body regulate temperature and protect sensitive areas. Touching it helps people who are close bond, releasing neurotransmitters that make us feel at ease. When someone loses hair, this can come with a profound sense of loss – of identity, of culture, and ability to express themselves and find their place in the world.

Despite affecting large numbers of people, in various forms, the amount of research funding available and number of researchers working on hair is not as high as some other conditions, which affect similar amounts of people. We also see a lot of misunderstanding about hair loss, and general lack of awareness among the general public. It shouldn’t need to be said, but people experiencing hair loss deserve to have their concerns taken seriously, and given support and treatment, so they can live their life to the fullest.  

With my background in research, I hope to help researchers and people affected connect and learn from each other, so that together we can find answers to the most pressing challenges and questions faster.” 

Niels' favourite inspirational quote:

The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of star-stuff. (Carl Sagan)