Janine Schuurman, PhD, is a scientist, inventor, and biotech leader whose career centers around the antibody molecule as a biological source of inspiration and therapeutic modality.
She joined Genmab’s R&D organization in 2000 as one of the company’s first scientists and played a pivotal role in shaping its antibody innovation engine, her latest role being Senior Vice President Antibody Research and Technologies driving the discovery and development of next-generation antibody technologies and therapeutics.
Across her career, Janine has contributed to the development of six FDA/EMA-approved therapeutic antibodies, with direct co-inventor credits on RYBREVANT® and (T)EPKINLY®. She is a co-inventor of Genmab’s groundbreaking antibody platform technologies – DuoBody®, HexaBody®, and HexElect® – which enable the creation of bispecific antibodies and antibodies with enhanced effector functions.
Throughout her career, Janine has been a strong advocate for collaborative innovation, championing impactful partnerships between industry and academia to accelerate advances in antibody therapeutics and complementary scientific fields.
Janine serves the Board of Directors of The Antibody Society since 2020. The Antibody Society is an international non-profit organization representing the global antibody R&D community. She served as Vice President and President from 2022 to 2025, helping to strengthen the Society’s role as a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.
Janine is a frequent invited speaker and conference or session organisor chair at
international scientific conferences, known for her visionary perspective, impactful
publications, and engaging presentations.
Today, Janine is an independent biotech consultant (Lust for Life Science B.V.), where she collaborates with innovative organizations including Cartography Biosciences, Commit Biologics, Laigo Bio, Fair Journey Biologics, AbTherx, Bioqube Ventures and others, supporting the next generation of antibody innovation and biotech entrepreneurship.
She received her PhD in Molecular Immunology in 1997 from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Outside her home office, (virtual) meeting rooms and boardrooms, Janine enjoys spending time with friends and family. Reflecting the same curiosity and dedication she brings to science, she pursues her passions for music (guitar and ukulele) and sports (speed skating) continuing trying to refine her skills.