Love and science: Ton Lisman shares how an ISTH Congress connected him with his wife
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As Professor of Experimental Surgery at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Ton Lisman, Ph.D., is actively involved in the ISTH community, currently serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH) alongside Suzanne Cannegieter, M.D., Ph.D.
What people may not know about Ton is that he has a love story that is intertwined with science, research and the bonds formed at the ISTH Congress.
Ton still remembers attending his first ISTH Congress in 1999 as a first-year Ph.D. student. He vividly recalls the excitement of presenting his data in an oral session and the valuable interactions during poster sessions.
“I knew that ISTH was the go-to Congress to attend in the field. Everything was super exciting,” he said. “One thing I particularly remember was that the poster sessions were a way to interact with people who are far more senior than you. I remember these people come up to my poster—almost in a casual way—and looking at their name badge and thinking, oh wow, I know who you are!”
Little did Ton know that the ISTH community would not only shape his career, but it would also lead him to the love of his life.
The beginning days of a love story
As fate would have it, Ton already knew his future wife, Yvonne, who was also a Ph.D. student working in the thrombosis and hemostasis field. Their paths crossed in Leiden, the Netherlands, where Yvonne worked. Ton had recently graduated and was co-supervising a project there.
“It’s a small world. One of Yvonne’s supervisors for her Ph.D. was Suzanne Cannegieter, who I now work with as we are Editors-in-Chief for JTH,” he noted.
He and Yvonne became fast friends during his visits to Leiden, and their relationship blossomed over their shared passion for science and food. They enjoyed trying the latest restaurants and food trends, and they were often joined by friends in the field.
“We were ‘foodies’ before ‘foodies’ was trendy. It was fun. The thrombosis and hemostasis community in the Netherlands is a close-knit community,” he said.
In 2007, Ton and Yvonne both attended the ISTH Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, and he recalls thinking that he was ready to solidify their relationship.
On the plane ride home from the ISTH Congress in Geneva, Ton decided to take the next step. They sat next to each other on the plane and agreed to become an official couple.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Building a future together
Ton and Yvonne married in 2010 and enjoyed a wedding celebration surrounded by loved ones, including several friends and colleagues from the ISTH community.
They quickly grew their family, welcoming two children Nienke and Tim in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
Today, Ton and Yvonne work in the same hospital in the Netherlands, albeit in different departments. Ton runs a laboratory in the Department of Surgery, whereas Yvonne works in the Research Office supervising young talents with large grant applications and other research opportunities.
Despite their demanding careers, Ton and Yvonne make time for each other, often discussing science and the challenges faced by young scientists.
“We still talk science at home. We both enjoy reading and writing and discussing how to effectively communicate good research to others,” Ton shared. “I think it’s harder now, as compared to 20 years ago, to have a sustainable academic career. There are more alternatives. How do we keep people in academia and ensure that the next generation has good scientists?”
He particularly enjoys being creative and trying new innovative ideas in his role with JTH.
“What’s fun is seeing the latest research as it comes in—you have a front row seat to what’s going on in the field,” he said. “We are engaging early career professionals more than ever before. Peer-review should be a part of your academic career from the start. From the moment you are advanced enough in the field to judge others’ papers, you should consider doing peer-review.”
Looking ahead: ‘I feel lucky to have stayed in the field’
Back at home, Ton and Yvonne have built a happy life together. While they talk about science and research topics, Ton reiterates the importance of work-life balance and enjoys life at home in the countryside of the Netherlands, complete with “a big garden and lots of space for the kids to play.”
They relish watching their children, now ages 11 and 13, discover interests of their own.
“My wife and I are very ‘science-y.’ Our son is also quite science and technology oriented. Our daughter is more so creative and is not as interested in science. It’s fun to watch the people they are becoming,” he shared.
Ton and Yvonne’s love story is a testament to the connections forged within the thrombosis and hemostasis community, especially when attending the ISTH Congress. He said he is excited for what the future holds.
“I feel lucky to have stayed in the field all these years. When I go to the ISTH Congress now, I see friends and colleagues that I’ve known for more than 20 years,” Ton said. “I remember what it felt like when I first joined the ISTH. I want to make sure to pass on that enthusiasm to the next generation.”