Tjard is trained as bio-physicist in the neurosciences and as philosopher of science. He graduated in both disciplines cum laude. His PhD thesis in neurosciences was awarded again by a cum laude.

From March 2001 he joined Athena Institute of VU-university of Amsterdam. He chairs the special chair in Applied Ethics of the Life and Health Sciences.

His research focuses on complex multi-stakeholder problems in the life sciences domain. By engaging patients as well as industry, governance and academia in agenda setting and decisions processes he develops and investigates methodologies of various forms of dialogue.

Over time, he has dealt with topics including health system reforms, maternal health in fragile states, alcohol & drugs policy, genetic modified food, responsible research innovation, genomics, neuro-imaging, predictive medicine.