My name is Jop Jans. I am a clinical fellow in pediatric infectious diseases/immunology and a postdoctoral researcher in the Netherlands. The focus of my research entails the use of fundamental research to predict the individual risk of life-threatening inflammatory events in newborns and children. Following my previous work as board member of TULIPS, the Dutch counterpart of ENRICH, I have always been highly motivated to improve science in pediatrics by inspiring and encouraging young researchers in their personal development. My personal excitement about non-conventional methods to catalyze innovation makes me highly motivated to develop the Illumination program and tackle grand challenges in perinatal and child well-being. A snippet into my own non-conventional life: ecstatic dance, Farsi language course, co-parenting a dog with three daddies and my zest for the unfamiliar!