Professor Nicolas Deconinck, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Pediatric Neurology and a Belgianneurologist highly specialized in pediatric neuromuscular disorders. He leads theNeuromuscular Reference Center at the Pediatric University Hospital Queen Fabiola (ULB,Brussels, Belgium), where more than 100 children are regularly followed throughmultidisciplinary consultations. He currently serves as Director of Clinical Research for the Families and Children Sector of theBrussels University Hospital (HUB).
His scientific expertise includes an in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of Duchennemuscular dystrophy (DMD), spanning molecular, neuromuscular, and neurodevelopmentalaspects. His PhD thesis focused on the preclinical evaluation of innovative gene therapyapproaches in the mdx mouse model of DMD. He has extensive experience in the clinicaldevelopment of novel therapies for pediatric neuromuscular diseases, particularly Duchennemuscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
In addition to neuromuscular disorders, his research interests include child neurodevelopmentaldisorders, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorders, as well as the assessment ofcognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments associated with rare diseases, includingDMD. He has co-authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications, including high-rankingand landmark articles in pediatric neurology and neuromuscular diseases, notably in SMA,describing breakthrough therapeutic approaches.