He earned his BSc and MSc in Psychology from the University of Amsterdam, followed by a PhD in Behavior Genetics from VU University in 2015. During his doctoral studies, Michel demonstrated a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, coordinating international research efforts that bridged diverse scientific fields.

Following his PhD, Michel served as a Research Fellow at VU University, where he advanced his expertise in statistical genetics and developed innovative methodologies for analyzing complex traits. His dedication to open science led to the creation of widely adopted analytical tools, including GenomicSEM, which have become essential resources in the field of genetic epidemiology. Michel’s work has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, and Science, highlighting his significant contributions to understanding the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders. He then developed his own independent academic carreer as an Assistant, and alter asscoaite, Professor in the Department of Biological Psychology at VU University, Amsterdam.

Michel has been recognized for his scholarly excellence and leadership with awards like the Fuller and Scott Award from the Behavior Genetics Association and the Lodewijk Sandkuijl Award from the Netherlands Society for Human Genetics. As a dedicated mentor, he has supervised numerous doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them to successful careers in academia and industry. Previously a Jacobs Foundation Research Fellow, Michel continues to drive forward the frontiers of statistical genetics, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration to enhance mental health research through transparent and reproducible science.