Laura Dijkhuizen

Laura Dijkhuizen is a Lecturer in Bioinformatics at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, specifically working within the Biodynamics and Biocomplexity Bioinformatics group. She is actively engaged in research related to plant-microbe symbiosis, with a particular focus on the Azolla fern symbiosis system.

Her research interests span Aquatic Ecology, Metagenomics, Microbial Ecology and Evolution, Plant Nutrition, and Translational Plant and Microbiology. She is passionate about utilizing novel computational methods to address biological questions related to sustainable agriculture and environmental science. Her work often intersects with the university's research themes of Integrative Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability.

Dijkhuizen's publication record shows a strong focus on the Azolla symbiosis system, with recent work examining sexual reproduction mechanisms, nitrogen fixation, and the evolutionary aspects of this unique plant-microbe relationship. Her publications span high-impact journals including New Phytologist, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Plant Cell and Environment, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of her research that bridges molecular biology, ecology, and bioinformatics.

She has been featured in media outlets discussing her research, including appearing on Dutch popular science TV show Focus, being interviewed by Algemeen Dagblad newspaper, and participating in a Dutch podcast about Azolla. Her photography skills were recognized when her image of Azolla filiculoides and Salvinia cuculata was featured on the cover of Nature Plants.

As an educator, Dijkhuizen aims to develop herself as a teacher and junior leader, bringing her passion for sustainable science to students. She describes herself as a passionate, inquisitive, and creative academic who is also a musician, photographer, and amateur chef.