Sander J. Wezenberg

Dr. Sander J. Wezenberg is an Associate Professor at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, where he leads an independent research group focused on developing stimuli-responsive molecular receptors and self-assembling materials. He was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen in 2017 and moved to Leiden University in 2019 to establish his research group, where he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022.

Dr. Wezenberg's educational background includes:

• Master's degree in Chemistry at the University of Nijmegen, conducting research in Prof. Roeland Nolte's group
• PhD in Supramolecular Chemistry at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) under Prof. Arjan Kleij (2011)
• Postdoctoral fellow with Prof. François Diederich at ETH Zurich
• Postdoctoral work with Prof. Ben Feringa at the University of Groningen

His research focuses on using interdisciplinary approaches combining synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and photochemistry to develop systems that can study and manipulate biological processes. Key research areas include:

• Photodynamic control of anion binding and lipid bilayer membrane transport
• Creation of polymeric and self-assembled materials with switchable functions
• Development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents to improve human health

Dr. Wezenberg's recent publications demonstrate strong trends in photoresponsive molecular systems for controlling anion transport and membrane properties. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biological applications, with particular emphasis on light-switchable molecular receptors and their applications in biological systems.

Scientific awards and recognition:

• ERC Starting Grant (2018)
• Veni Grant from NWO (2014)
• Vidi Grant from NWO (2018)
• Member of the Young Academy of Europe (2020)

Dr. Wezenberg actively mentors PhD and Master's students, with current advisees including Nol Duindam, Sabine Langens, Sofiia Emashova, Lin Xu, Dimitris Piperoudis, and Josien de Graaf. His research is supported by multiple funding sources including Leiden University, the European Research Council, the Dutch Research Council, and the China Scholarship Council.

The Wezenberg Research Group is based at the Gorlaeus Laboratories in the new Gorlaeus Building at Leiden University, where they maintain a highly collaborative research environment focused on molecular switches, anion recognition, and dynamic supramolecular systems.