Martin van Hecke is a Professor at Leiden University, affiliated with the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) in the Biological, Soft and Complex Systems department. He leads the Van Hecke Lab, focusing on the organisation of disordered matter and the development of 'machine materials' for prostheses and wearable technology. Research Interests: Extreme phenomena in soft materials Mechanical metamaterials Disordered systems Computational physics Biophysics His work has pioneered methods to design 3D structures using simple building blocks, with notable projects like 'Computing with rubber' and 'A computer made of floppy rubber' showcasing interdisciplinary applications in engineering and biotechnology. Students & Collaborations: Current PhD students: Lennard Kwakernaak, Colin Meulblok, Margot Teunisse, Bernat Durà Faulí, Parisa Omidvar Former group members: Lennard Jurian Kwakernaak, Amitesh Singh, Jiangnan Ding, Anne Meeussen, Nitin Singh Collaborations with AMOLF and industry partners Scientific Recognition: Elected as an American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2021) Teaching: Instructs the MSc course 'Mechanical Metamaterials' and the BSc course 'Experimentele Natuurkunde' (Experimental Physics).
Dr. Caroline E. Paul is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) , Faculty of Applied Sciences. She leads an active research group focused on biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and biomimetic cofactor systems. Education: PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Spain MSc in Chemical Synthesis and Reactivity, University of Oviedo MSc in Biological Chemistry, University of Toronto Honours BSc in Biological Chemistry, University of Toronto Research Interests: Dr. Paul’s research centers on enzyme discovery and engineering , particularly in flavoprotein monooxygenases and ene reductases. Her group explores biomimetic cofactors to replace natural NAD(P)H, enabling more efficient and sustainable biocatalytic processes. A major focus is the development of one-pot enzymatic cascades for asymmetric synthesis, such as azidohydroxylation and allylic oxidation, with applications in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. She also investigates metalloproteomics using MIRAGE to study metal distribution in biological systems. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2020–2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on biocatalytic cascade reactions , cofactor engineering , and enzyme mechanism elucidation . There is a strong emphasis on green chemistry and sustainable synthesis using enzymatic systems. Her work frequently involves the use of biomimetic reductants like BNAH and the integration of photochemical or hydrogen-driven cofactor regeneration. The research bridges fundamental enzymology with practical applications in organic synthesis. Scientific Awards and Grants: ERC Starting Grant (2020) KNCV Gold Medal (2024) Chemistry Europe Fellow (2022–2023) NWO ENW XL Grant (2022) NWO VENI Grant (2015) FP7 Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship (2013) Delft Technology Fellowship (2018) Advising and Funding: Dr. Paul has successfully secured multiple competitive grants, including from the European Commission (ERC, HORIZON) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO), supporting her research on non-canonical cofactors and biocatalytic cascades. She co-founded NextGenBiocat , an international symposium promoting early-career researchers in biocatalysis, indicating her commitment to mentoring and academic community building. While specific students are not listed, her active funding and group leadership imply ongoing supervision of PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Labs and Teams: She leads the Caroline Paul Group within the Biocatalysis section at TU Delft. Her research involves collaborations with groups across Europe, including Wageningen University, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, and Enzymicals AG. Her lab employs advanced techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry, stopped-flow spectroscopy, and microsecond freeze-quenching to study enzyme kinetics and mechanisms.
Albert P.H.J. Schenning is a Full Professor of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). His work focuses on developing smart materials for sustainable energy, healthcare, and environmental applications. He holds roles in the TU/e’s Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories (EPL) and the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC). Education: M.Sc. (1992) and Ph.D. (1996) in Chemistry from Radboud University Nijmegen. Postdoctoral research at TU/e (1996) and ETH Zurich (1997). Became a KNAW fellow (1998–2003) before advancing through academic ranks at TU/e: Assistant Professor (2003), Associate Professor (2005), and Full Professor (2014). Research interests include stimuli-responsive polymers, self-healing materials, and liquid crystal actuators. Notable projects involve smart materials for food packaging, greenhouses, and photonic coatings. Awards include the Alfred Saupe Prize (2024) and Golden Medal from the Royal Dutch Chemical Society (2005). Teaching: Courses include Molecules and Materials, Experimental Soft Matter, and Nanomaterials. Supervised over 128 students. Collaborations span industries like DSM and Merck. Labs/Teams: Leads the Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD) group, engaged in multidisciplinary projects from molecule-to-device development.
Ilja K. Voets is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, leading the Self-Organizing Soft Matter research group. She is also a Core member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Her academic journey began at Wageningen University & Research where she earned her PhD cum laude in 2008, followed by postdoctoral research at the Aldolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland. Since 2011, she has been at TU/e, becoming a full professor in 2018. Her educational background includes Molecular Sciences at Wageningen University & Research, with a PhD focusing on micellisation in dilute aqueous solutions of oppositely charged double hydrophilic block copolymers. She was supervised by dr. Arie de Keizer and prof. Martien A. Cohen Stuart. Professor Voets leads an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers studying self-assembly processes in biological soft matter. Her research focuses on colloidal self-organization, polymer assembly and folding, and protein biophysics, with particular interest in ice-binding proteins that help organisms survive in extreme cold environments. She investigates how to control intra- and intermolecular copolymer assembly to develop novel functional soft materials, artificial enzymes, and strategies to enhance colloidal stability. A key challenge in her work involves orchestrating colloidal self-assembly with remote cues such as light and temperature. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on antifreeze proteins, colloidal assembly, and nanoparticle technology, with significant contributions to understanding ice-binding mechanisms and developing novel soft materials. The research demonstrates consistent high-impact output across prestigious journals including PNAS, Angewandte Chemie, and Biomacromolecules. Ambizione Award (2010) : Recognizing early-career research excellence DMS Science and Technology Award (2009) : For significant contributions to materials science ERC Consolidator Grant (2021) : Supporting advanced research in ice-binding protein-polymers Ice-binding protein-polymers project (2016) : Focused on control over ice growth in soft materials Innovative peptide system award (2019) : For novel drug targeting approaches Professor Voets supervises numerous research projects and students, teaching courses including Biological Physics, Physical Chemistry, and Experimental Soft Matter. Her research group is affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories, and the Gravity Program Functional Molecular Systems. Industry collaborations include DSM, Kemetyl, and Unilever, demonstrating the practical applications of her fundamental research. Her work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water.
Dr. Dina Maniar is an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, specializing in Polymer Chemistry. She leads the Maniar Group, focusing on sustainable polymers, biocatalytic synthesis, and biobased composites. Her work bridges material science and environmental sustainability, with projects like the TINKER education initiative and SOLARLab's biobased photovoltaic encapsulants. She holds a PhD from the University of Groningen (2019) and degrees from Institut Teknologi Bandung (MSc 2014, BSc 2013). Notable awards include the Vlieland Lectureship (2019) and finalist status for the Best PhD Thesis Award (2020). Her research emphasizes green synthesis methods and applications in health, energy, and environmental remediation. Education: PhD in Polymer Chemistry, University of Groningen (2015–2019) MSc in Chemistry, Institut Teknologi Bandung (2013–2014) BSc in Chemistry, Institut Teknologi Bandung (2009–2013) Research Interests: Her group explores biobased polymers, enzymatic polymerization, and functional composites. Key areas include: Green synthesis of furan-based polymers Biodegradable and recyclable materials Applications in drug delivery, renewable energy, and sustainable packaging Awards: Finalist for Best PhD Thesis Award (2020) Vlieland Lectureship (2019) NWO Poster Award (2015) Advising & Projects: Supervises PhD students in polymer chemistry and collaborates on education initiatives like the TINKER Project. Manages ongoing projects on biobased encapsulants for solar cells and sustainable composite development. Labs/Teams: Maniar Group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, leading projects in both polymer innovation and STEM education reform.
Richard Loendersloot is an Associate Professor specializing in dynamics-based maintenance, focusing on structural integrity diagnostics and prognostics. His work integrates advanced sensors and data-driven methods for predictive maintenance in composite materials and infrastructure systems. Research interests include structural health monitoring (SHM), vibration analysis, and damage accumulation modeling. He has contributed to methodologies like Bayesian filtering for prognostics and non-collinear wave mixing for material aging assessment. Recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize sensor technology comparisons, ML-assisted frameworks for cyber-physical systems, and scaled bridge testing for vehicle-bridge interaction models. He collaborates widely, with activities including invited talks on smart maintenance and presentations at international conferences. Supervised 13 academic works, though student names are not listed. Labs/Teams: Part of dynamics-based maintenance research groups, contributing to datasets like motor current/vibration monitoring for e-motor-driven pumps.
Andrea Giuntoli is an Assistant Professor at the Micromechanics group within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen . He holds a PhD in Computational Soft Matter and Polymer Physics from the University of Pisa (2018), followed by postdoctoral work at NIST (2018-2019) and Northwestern University (2019-2021) under the ChiMaD project (part of the Material Genome Initiative). His research focuses on theoretical and computational modeling of nanoscale building blocks for advanced polymer composites , particularly in controlling mechanical properties, impact resistance, and self-healing through polymer architecture and graphene dispersion. He has secured significant grants including a VENI grant (2022) and an NWO-XS grant (2022). Key research trends from his recent publications (2021-2025) include machine learning-optimized coarse-graining , energy renormalization methods , impact-resistant coatings , graphene-polymer interfaces , and self-healing polymer glasses . His work bridges materials science , computational physics , and applied polymer engineering . Scientific Awards: VENI Grant (2022) NWO-XS Grant (2022) He actively collaborates across institutions (USA, Netherlands) and disciplines, with research impacts in medical devices , advanced materials , and surface science . His lab at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials integrates multi-scale modeling with experimental validation to enhance polymer composite performance.
Dr. Arnaud Thevenon-Kozub is an Assistant Professor in the Organic Chemistry and Catalysis group at Utrecht University's Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science. Appointed in August 2021 as a tenure-track faculty member, he leads research at the intersection of sustainable chemistry, polymer science, and CO 2 conversion technologies within the Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry (ISCC). Education: Master's degree from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 2013 Master's thesis research at UCLA under Prof. Paula Diaconescu PhD from University of Oxford under Prof. Charlotte Williams, 2018 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at Caltech with Prof. Theodor Agapie Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Konstanz under Prof. Stefan Mecking His research integrates homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis to develop sustainable solutions for polymer production and CO 2 utilization. Key focus areas include designing catalysts for oxygenated polymer synthesis, electrochemical CO 2 -to-fuels conversion, and post-polymerization modification techniques enabling circular plastic economies. His work emphasizes practical applications through collaborations with industrial partners via the ARC CBBC consortium. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals two dominant research thrusts: (1) Advanced CO 2 electroreduction systems achieving unprecedented selectivity for ethylene and CO through molecular interface engineering, and (2) Innovative polymer modification strategies for chemical recycling and upcycling of polyolefins. These themes converge in his pursuit of cradle-to-cradle material lifecycles, frequently employing manganese, copper, and silver-based catalytic systems. Scientific Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Dr. Thevenon mentors a dynamic research group comprising three PhD candidates (Otten, Killian, Grabbet), four Master's students, and multiple bachelor interns, with 13 formal advisees documented since 2021. His group secures funding through the ARC CBBC consortium and maintains strong industry partnerships. Outreach initiatives include primary school workshops on CO 2 impacts and plastic sustainability during Utrecht's Weekend of Science 2022. The Thevenon Research Group operates within Utrecht's state-of-the-art chemistry facilities, collaborating with the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC). Current projects focus on electrochemical polymer oxidation for recyclability, hybrid catalyst-electrode systems for CO 2 conversion, and designing novel monomers for sustainable polyolefin production, positioning the group at the forefront of circular chemistry innovation.
Anke R. Vollertsen is a researcher specializing in Applied Stem Cell Technologies , with a focus on Microfluidics and Organ-on-Chip systems . Her work involves developing innovative platforms for biomedical applications, including ISO-compliant systems for multi-organ modeling and 3D porous architectures for cardiac tissue simulation. She has contributed to advancements in nanoparticle printing via bipolar electrochemistry and localized Raman sensing, as well as syngeneic modeling of breast cancer bone metastasis. Key Collaborations: Partnerships with researchers like J. T. Loessberg-Zahl, A. Paul, and M. Odijk. Research Outputs: 20 publications (2018-2024), including a 2024 study on organ-on-chip platforms and a 2022 automated chip for organs-on-chips. Awards: Recipient of the 2018 CHEMINAS Poster Award for her contributions to microfluidics. Her work intersects with fields like biomedical engineering , nanotechnology , and oncology , emphasizing translational applications in disease modeling and sensing technologies.
Prof. Han van Kasteren holds a part-time professorship in Biobased Building Blocks & Products at Avans University of Applied Sciences (since 2018) and previously served at AERES University of Applied Sciences until 2018. His expertise spans bio-based materials, sustainable energy systems, environmental science, and resource management. He has held senior advisory roles at Tilburg University (2004–2018) and directed Proeftuin Recycling Initiatieven (1996–2000). Research focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship education through frameworks like Business Oriented Technological System Analysis (BOTSA), polymer degradation methods using ionic liquids and polyethylene glycol systems, and bio-based material innovations. He has authored/co-authored over 50 publications across materials science, environmental engineering, and education innovation. Teaching responsibilities include courses on Energy Transition, Energy Systems Analysis, and Honors Program modules at TU/e. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to affordable clean energy (SDG7) and responsible consumption (SDG12).
Dr. Rudolf G.M. Huisman is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology, affiliated with the Robotics group and the van de Molengraft research group. His primary research focuses on developing fundamental building blocks for highly automated driving systems. His work encompasses world modeling, localization, path planning, and path following technologies. Recent publications demonstrate his contributions in trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles and energy management systems for hybrid trucks. Dr. Huisman teaches courses in mobile robot control and road vehicle dynamics, and his research has received over 200 citations.
Bettina Speckmann is a full Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven), where she leads the Applied Geometric Algorithms group. She holds additional appointments as EAISI Health Professor and EAISI Foundational Professor, and is affiliated with the Data Science Center Eindhoven. Her research bridges theoretical algorithm design with practical applications in spatial computing. Her research interests lie primarily in computational geometry and geometric algorithms, with strong applications in GIScience, Smart Mobility (including moving object analysis and automated cartography), geo-visualization, visual analytics, and e-Humanities. She focuses on developing efficient algorithms and data structures for spatial data, combining rigorous theoretical methods with practical engineering for real-world impact. Her recent publications (2025) show a strong trend in geometric data processing, particularly in polycube segmentations, dual loop algorithms, density estimation for moving groups, and topological analysis using merge trees and Fréchet distances. These works reflect her interdisciplinary focus on computational geometry, visualization, and data structures. Scientific awards received include: Netherlands Prize for ICT Research (2011) NWO Vici Award (2012) PEriTiA Prize (2020) Bettina Speckmann has advised numerous students and researchers through her group and has secured major grants, including the NWO Vici. She has served in leadership roles such as PC co-chair for Graph Drawing (GD 2011), PC chair for ICALP Track A (2015), and PC co-chair for SoCG (2018). She teaches courses such as Data Structures and Heuristic Algorithms. She leads the Applied Geometric Algorithms group, which actively collaborates with industry partners like HERE Global B.V., Fugro NL Land B.V., and OCLC B.V., and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in areas related to data and mobility.
Pepijn G. Moerman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads the Self-Organizing Soft Matter Lab, focusing on developing biomimetic systems using DNA nanotechnology to study cell-cell communication and self-organization. His work bridges soft matter physics and molecular biology, aiming to understand tissue formation and design smart materials mimicking life-like behaviors. Education: Doctorate in Physical Chemistry (2015–2019), Utrecht University, specializing in active droplet dynamics and colloidal systems. Postdoctoral research (2019–2021) at Johns Hopkins University, exploring ATP-driven DNA reactions. Research Interests: Active soft matter, biomimetic cell mimics, self-assembly mechanisms, and quantitative comparisons of experiments with theoretical models. His group employs DNA nanotechnology to systematically manipulate parameters in model systems and observe emergent behaviors. Awards: Recipient of the prestigious NWO Veni Grant (2023) for innovative research in soft matter systems. Teaching & Outreach: Teaches courses including Experimental Soft Matter , Physical Chemistry 2 , and Polymer and Colloid Science . Engages in public communication through media coverage of his grants and research. Labs/Teams: Directs the Self-Organizing Soft Matter Lab, collaborating on projects involving non-reciprocal active droplet systems and lipid bilayer dynamics.
Jos Winkelman is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen . His work focuses on catalytic conversion of biomass, pyrolysis technologies, and green chemistry applications. Research areas: Lignin valorization, catalytic pyrolysis, biobased chemicals, reaction kinetics Key collaborations: H.J. Heeres, F. Picchioni, B. Sridharan Recent publications analyze molten salt pyrolysis, furan-maleimide network kinetics, and biomass-derived chemical synthesis. Notable projects include BTX production from polypropylene and hydrocarbon fuels from lignin.
Ben L. Feringa is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Groningen, holding the Jacobus H. van 't Hoff Distinguished Professorship of Molecular Sciences. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering, where he leads the Synthetic Organic Chemistry research group. Feringa has been a full professor at the University of Groningen since 1988, after working as a research scientist for Shell. Professor Feringa obtained his PhD at the University of Groningen under the supervision of Professor Hans Wynberg. His academic journey includes positions as a research chemist at Shell Laboratories in Amsterdam and the Shell Biosciences Centre in the UK before returning to academia. Feringa's research program focuses on synthetic organic chemistry with particular emphasis on molecular nanoscience, asymmetric catalysis, and biohybrid systems. His work is inspired by nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion, and catalysis. A major breakthrough was the discovery of the first light-driven unidirectional molecular rotary motor in 1999, which contributed significantly to his Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016. His research spans four main areas: Molecular Nanoscience (focusing on molecular switches and motors), Synthesis and Catalysis (developing new asymmetric catalytic methods), Biohybrid Systems (including photopharmacology), and Sustainable Chemistry (green synthesis methods). The research has strong multidisciplinary character, bridging chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. Analysis of Feringa's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a continued focus on molecular motors and switches, with increasing applications in biological systems and sustainable chemistry. His work shows progression from fundamental molecular design to practical applications in drug delivery, medical imaging, and sustainable materials. The research increasingly involves interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with biologists and materials scientists, demonstrating the growing impact of molecular nanotechnology across scientific disciplines. Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2016) Spinoza Award (2004) Tetrahedron Prize (2016) August Wilhelm von Hofmann Medal (2016) Commandeur in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw (2016) Prelog Gold Medal (2005) Chirality Medal (2009) Humboldt Award (2012) Professor Feringa has supervised numerous students and researchers throughout his career, with 178 supervised works documented. His research has been supported by major funding agencies including the European Research Council (ERC), the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC), and collaborations with industry partners such as AkzoNobel, Nouryon, Shell, and BASF. He serves as program director of the Groningen hub of ARC CBBC, focusing on homogeneous catalysis, organic synthesis, materials, and coatings. Feringa leads the Center for Systems Chemistry at the University of Groningen, which includes multiple research teams working across the four subprograms: Molecular Nanoscience, Synthesis and Catalysis, Biohybrid Systems, and Sustainable Chemistry. His group maintains strong collaborations with the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, and UMCG (University Medical Center Groningen), creating a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.
