Dr deVries has consistently pioneered & led innovative research into neurocognitive problems in TSC. These are some of the most devastating consequences for people affected & their families. His achievements include;
•    1997: Start research in learning and behavioural aspects of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at time when very few researchers internationally are interested in this field.
•    Perform the first study of the neuropsychological attention skills in children and adolescents with TSC (de Vries, Gardiner, Bolton, 2007)
•    Become involved in TSA and TSAlliance – active both on research side and user/carer involvement – active promotion of learning and behaviour on research and clinical agendas in TSC (TSA medical advisor; TSAlliance ISAP, PAB; TSDeutschland advisor)
•    Lead author in writing of clinical guidelines for assessment of cognitive and behavioural problems in TSC (de Vries et al, 2005)
•    For significant time only researcher working on neuropsychology in children/adolescents; later joined by Penny Prather, Deborah McCartney, Khanum Ridler
•    Involved in first computational morphometric studies of brain grey and white matter in TSC – showing that there is more than tubers and nodules; and that learning and behaviour is linked to more than tubers and nodules (Ridler et al 2001; Ridler et al 2007)
•    Promote the need for animal behaviour work in TSC
•    Publish molecular hypothesis (GRIPP), proposing primary molecular aetiology for neurocognitive/behavioural features of TSC, and possibility of molecularly-targeted interventions (de Vries & Howe, TIMM, 2007)
•    Lead cognitive component of first trial of mTOR inhibitors in TSC
•    Now setting up larger-scale trials of mTOR inhibition for cognition and neurodevelopment
•    Promote importance of genetic syndromes as keys to translational neuroscience research, e.g. in autism (e.g. de Vries, Nature Medicine, 2009)
•    Three book chapters on TSC (2003; two in press)