De Keizer studies the molecular drivers of ageing, with a focus on senescent cells—irreversibly damaged cells that accumulate over time, secrete inflammatory factors, and accelerate tissue ageing. Several hallmarks of senescence are also found in advanced cancer, where they promote metastasis and chemoresistance. His group aims to chart distinct senescence states and develop compounds that eliminate or neutralize them.
De Keizer trained in biology at Utrecht University and Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, earned his PhD at UMC Utrecht, and conducted postdoctoral research at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging (USA). After leading a research group at Erasmus MC, he started his own lab at UMC Utrecht, where he is now associate professor. He is also co-founder of Cleara Biotech, developing diagnostics and therapies targeting ageing and late-stage cancer.
