Together towards a healthier Veendam
Balneological Congress 2025
The power of magnesium
Address: Cultural Center Van Beresteyn, Veendam
Magnesium Kuurstad Veendam
The Magnesium Kuurstad Veendam Foundation is organizing a unique, three-day congress on the applications of magnesium, health, and balneology. Scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from home and abroad come together at the place where it all begins: the source in Veendam.
22
October
23
October
24
October
Economy
Science
Society
Trade mission and business market in collaboration with the VOC. With presentations, workshops, and lectures from (international) entrepreneurs and the Municipality of Veendam about magnesium and the broader economic developments in and around Veendam.
Keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with international scientists specializing in magnesium research. Students and PhD candidates from universities present their current research and insights on health, skin absorption, and balneology.
An afternoon to experience, feel, and explore. Get acquainted with magnesium applications through a knowledge tour to the source, hands-on activities, a treasure hunt, and educational workshops for young and old. What does magnesium mean to you? How can the people of Veendam benefit from the world’s most unique magnesium source?
22
October
Economy
Trade mission and business market in collaboration with the VOC. With presentations, workshops, and lectures from (international) entrepreneurs and the Municipality of Veendam about magnesium and the broader economic developments in and around Veendam.
23
October
Science
Keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with international scientists specializing in magnesium research. Students and PhD candidates from universities present their current research and insights on health, skin absorption, and balneology.
24
October
Society
An afternoon to experience, feel, and explore. Get acquainted with magnesium applications through a knowledge tour to the source, hands-on activities, a treasure hunt, and educational workshops for young and old. What does magnesium mean to you? How can the people of Veendam benefit from the world’s most unique magnesium source?
🗓️ During this day (12:30–6:00 PM) the following topics and speakers, among others, will be addressed. It also includes a “trade mission” and a business fair in cooperation with the VOC, with presentations, workshops and lectures by (international) entrepreneurs and the Municipality of Veendam about magnesium and the broader economic developments in and around Veendam.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 12:30 – 13:30 |
Registration and welcome in the foyer • Business fair open • Continuous MKV video presentation in a separate room |
| 13:30 – 14:00 |
Opening by moderator Marcel Nieuwenweg Introduction by Richard Danel (Chairman, MKV Foundation) |
| 14:00 – 14:30 |
Lecture Françoise Jurion The thermal history of Spa: how a natural spring grew into a driver of economy and pride |
| 14:30 – 15:00 |
Lecture Jan Hut On how communities can grow stronger around a natural spring as a connecting force |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Break & visit business fair |
| 15:30 – 16:00 |
Lecture Richard Danel, MD Science, health and social implementation of magnesium applications |
| 16:00 – 16:30 |
Lecture Janneke Ensing Professional cyclist, speed skater and nutritionist, on nutrition, recovery and the importance of magnesium in sport and health |
| 16:30 – 17:00 |
Panel discussion: Magnesium as a driver for economic and social development in Veendam With Françoise Jurion, Janneke Ensing, Jan Hut, Richard Danel and Henk Jan Schmaal (Alderman, Municipality of Veendam) Interactive with active audience participation |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Networking drinks & business fair |
The program is subject to change.
Janneke Ensing
Former professional cyclist who combines her experience in elite sports with knowledge of nutrition, recovery, and the importance of minerals such as magnesium in sports health.
Jan Hut
A passionate advocate of livability and regional resilience. Jan Hut speaks about how communities can strengthen themselves around a natural source as a unifying force.
Françoise Jurion
An inspiring story about how a natural source became the driving force behind a thriving local economy, tourist appeal, and community pride in Spa.
Richard Danel, MD
Combines medical expertise with regional applications of magnesium therapy, working to bridge science, health, and social implementation.
During this day (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) the following topics and speakers, among others, will be addressed. Each speaker will also take part in the panel discussions. A moderator will host the day and ensure interaction with the audience.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Reception and registration, coffee & tea |
| 09:30 – 09:45 |
Opening by moderator Mathilde Lubbers Welcome address by Alderman Henk Jan Schmaal (Municipality of Veendam) |
| 09:45 – 10:30 |
Keynote – Dr. Andrea Rosanoff, PhD CEO Center for Magnesium Education & Research (CMER), international expert and founder of SDRM. Theme: Mechanisms and effectiveness of transdermal magnesium absorption |
| 10:30 – 11:00 |
Lecture Dr. Marija Stanojević, MD, PhD Associate Professor, University of Belgrade, pathophysiologist and neuroscientist. Theme: The role of magnesium chloride in clinical practice and medical science |
| 11:00 – 11:30 |
Lecture Prof. Dr. Stephan J.L. Bakker Professor of Internal Medicine, UMCG. Theme: Magnesium research on metabolic syndrome, biomarkers and transplantation medicine |
| 11:30 – 12:00 |
Panel discussion 1 – Interactive with audience participation With Dr. Andrea Rosanoff, Dr. Marija Stanojević, Prof. Dr. Stephan Bakker and Kristen Bowen Theme: Magnesium in science and clinical practice |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch & networking |
| 13:00 – 13:30 |
Lecture Representative, Kidney Physiology research group (RadboudUMC) Theme: Research into kidney physiology and the role of minerals such as magnesium |
| 13:30 – 14:00 |
Lecture Dr. Annet Linders Scientific Officer at Stichting PLN. Theme: Magnesium deficiencies and their connection with genetic heart diseases (PLN) |
| 14:00 – 14:30 |
Lecture Dr. Richard Danel, MD Director, Magnesium Health Institute, founder of MKV Foundation. Theme: Medical and societal added value of the Zechstein spring |
| 14:30 – 15:00 |
Panel discussion 2 – Interactive with audience participation With Representative of Kidney Physiology research group (RadboudUMC), Dr. Annet Linders, Dr. Richard Danel and Kristen Bowen Theme: Magnesium and health – from molecular level to societal impact |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Break & visit information stands |
| 15:30 – 16:15 | Reflection and Q&A with speakers Room for audience questions, discussion and in-depth exchange |
| 16:15 – 16:45 | Closing remarks by moderator Mathilde Lubbers |
| 16:45 – 18:00 | Networking reception with drinks & snacks |
The program is subject to change.
Dr. Marija Stanojevic, MD, PhD
Pathophysiologist. Basic neuroscience researcher and a resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on the role of magnesium chloride in clinical practice and medical science.
Dr. Andrea Rosanoff, PhD
International expert and founder of SDRM. She will share her insights on the mechanisms and effectiveness of transdermal magnesium absorption.
Kidney Physiology research group
The Kidney Physiology research group at Radboudumc, led by Dr. Jeroen de Baaij, focuses on kidney physiology with special attention to minerals such as magnesium at the molecular and genetic level.
Dr. Richard Danel, MD
A physician and pioneer in the field of magnesium therapy and balneology, Richard Danel shares his vision of the medical and societal benefits of unlocking the unique magnesium spring in Veendam.
Prof. dr. Stephan J.L. Bakker
Prof. Bakker is a physician-researcher at UMCG, specializing in metabolic syndrome, biomarkers, and transplant medicine. His magnesium research focuses on the effects of supplementation on cardiovascular and hormonal processes within his broader scope of metabolic health.
Dr. Annet Linders
Stichting PLN is dedicated to finding an affordable treatment for the hereditary and life-threatening heart disease PLN. She has been invited due to the role magnesium deficiencies play in PLN patients. Her contribution highlights the close connection between genetic heart diseases and magnesium balance.
On Friday afternoon we open the conference to everyone curious about the power of magnesium and what the Veendam spring can mean for you and the region. This afternoon is all about experiencing, feeling, and discovering. Take one of four special bus tours around Veendam and the surrounding area to visit the unique Zechstein spring and companies that work with magnesium. Children can go on an adventure with a scavenger hunt through Veendam’s town centre, while you try a foot bath, test sprays, or experience a magnesium massage.
In partnership with BIZ Centrum Veendam we connect health with movement, offering fun activities for young and old. Tickets are also available for special cycling and walking routes, including a family-friendly magnesium-themed game.
Whether you’re a local resident, interested in sustainable health applications, or simply in the mood for an inspiring afternoon of discovery—you are very welcome!
For whom? (Int.) scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, healthcare professionals, students, residents, those interested in sustainable health applications, and families from the region.
More information registration from May via: www.magnesiumkuurstad.nl