Tuncay Baubec

Prof. Tuncay Baubec is a Professor and Chair of Genome Biology & Epigenetics at the Department of Biology, Utrecht University. He holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Vienna and has held academic positions at the University of Zurich and the Friedrich Miescher Institute. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin dynamics, and gene regulation, with a particular emphasis on DNA methylation and histone modifications.

• Education: PhD in Genetics (2009, University of Vienna), MSc in Molecular Medicine (2004–2009), BSc in Biology (2000–2003).

Research interests include understanding how chromatin modifiers and DNA methylation regulate gene expression in development and disease. Key areas: epigenetic bistability at imprinting control regions, engineering CRISPR-based tools for gene silencing, and studying the impact of DNA damage on genome stability.

His work has led to over 40 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact studies in Nature Genetics, Nature Biotechnology, and Molecular Cell. Recent findings explore histone mark interactions, DNA repair mechanisms, and the role of SETD2 in cell size regulation.

• Awards: NWO VICI Grant (2023), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), EMBO Young Investigator (2019).

Baubec leads the Baubec Lab, which investigates epigenetic networks in health and disease, collaborating with institutions worldwide. Current projects include developing novel epigenome-editing tools and studying epigenetic drivers of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.