Jean-Marc Daran

Prof. Dr. Ir. Jean-Marc Daran is a Full Professor and Section Leader in the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). He leads a research group focused on yeast molecular and metabolic engineering, with strong emphasis on industrial applications in fermentation, brewing, and biotechnology.

His research interests span yeast molecular biology, metabolic engineering, CRISPR genome editing, synthetic biology, microbial physiology, and industrial biotechnology. He investigates the molecular basis of industrially relevant traits in both domesticated and wild yeasts, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces pastorianus, with applications in flavor formation, sugar assimilation, cold tolerance, and biosynthesis of high-value chemicals such as flavonoids and antibiotics. His group also pioneers genetic tools for non-conventional yeasts like Kluyveromyces, Ogataea, and Yarrowia.

The recent articles highlight a strong trend in advanced genome editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9, ErCas12a, CRI-SPA), metabolic pathway engineering (vitamin-independent growth, ethyl ester production, 2-phenylethanol), and systems-level understanding of yeast physiology and genomics. His work integrates computational genomics, molecular biology, and bioprocess engineering to develop next-generation yeast cell factories.

Prof. Daran has made significant contributions through numerous high-impact publications and collaborative research within TU Delft, particularly with the Pronk and Daran-Lapujade groups. His work has practical implications in brewing, sustainable chemistry, and biomanufacturing.

• Email: j.g.daran@tudelft.nl
• Office: Room B58.B0.350, TU Delft
• ORCID: 0000-0003-3136-8193