Manon Benders

Manon Benders is a neonatologist with an interest in neonatal neurology. She is Professor in Neonatology at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, UMC Utrecht. Her work focuses on improving long-term outcomes in high-risk newborns by translating scientific discoveries into clinical care. She has extensive experience in both clinical and academic settings, including positions in Geneva and London, where she contributed to advancing neonatal brain research. She coordinates several (inter)national research projects aimed at developing neuroprotective and regenerative strategies for the vulnerable neonatal brain. She is known for integrating advanced imaging, biomarker research, and cell-based therapies to better understand and treat neonatal brain injury. In addition to her research, she actively supervises PhD students and clinical fellows, fostering the next generation of clinician-scientists. Through her translational approach, she bridges the gap between bench and bedside to improve outcomes for preterm and term infants.