Marieke Overeijnder is a biotech leader driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of science to improve lives. In her role as Vice President Scientific Operations and Chief of Staff to the CSO at ProQR Therapeutics, a biotech company developing RNA editing technologies for severe rare and common diseases, she leads the Research organization and helps to shape the company’s R&D strategy. Under her leadership, the research organization has doubled in size and greatly strengthened its scientific excellence, allowing for the expansion of strategic partnerships, such as with Eli Lilly.

With over 20 years of experience in biotechnology, Marieke combines scientific depth with a passion for people and progress. Before joining ProQR, she spent over 14 years at DSM, where she held several senior leadership roles including Director Enabling Innovation and Global Business Manager and helped drive DSM’s transformation toward bioscience-based innovation.

Marieke holds an MSc in Life Science & Technology from TU Delft and a Foundation in Management from TIAS Business School. She is known for building empowered teams, challenging the status quo, and turning bold ideas into meaningful impact.