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Martijn EgasView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioural Sciences
• Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Martijn Egas is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on eco-evolutionary dynamics, particularly in the context of alternative reproductive tactics, social behavior, and the evolution of altruism. He leads the 'Evolution of social organizations' research group and is involved in interdisciplinary projects like the Metahealth consortium studying microbiome evolution. Egas holds editorial roles, including Editor-in-Chief of Animal Biology , and directs the Erasmus Mundus Master Programme in Evolutionary Biology (MEME). He has contributed to funded projects such as NWA grants exploring evolutionary predictions and microbiome dynamics. His work integrates theoretical models with empirical studies, often using spider mites as model organisms. He collaborates internationally on topics like tRNA gene repertoire variation and the genetic code's evolution. Education While specific educational details are not explicitly listed, his academic roles and publications indicate a strong background in evolutionary biology and theoretical ecology. Research Interests Egas' research revolves around eco-evolutionary feedbacks, behavioral ecology, and the evolutionary mechanisms behind social behaviors. He explores polymorphic traits, such as alternative reproductive tactics in spider mites, and their ecological implications. His recent work includes studies on predation risk in guarded females, altruism as a sexual signal in humans, and tRNA gene classification in prokaryotes. Grants & Collaborations He co-leads projects funded by the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA), including a €6.7M grant for predicting evolutionary responses. Collaborations span institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Oklahoma State University, focusing on topics like microbial evolution and the genetic code. Labs/Teams He heads the Egas group - Evolution and Behaviour at GELIFES, fostering interdisciplinary research in evolutionary biology. His team addresses questions at the intersection of ecology and evolution, leveraging experimental and theoretical approaches.

Sabine GollnerView profile

Researcher

• Deep-sea benthic ecology
• Deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecology
• Community response to stress and disturbance
• +6 more

Sabine Gollner is a Senior Scientist at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and affiliated with Utrecht University. She specializes in deep-sea benthic ecology, focusing on hydrothermal vent ecosystems, community responses to disturbance, and the impacts of deep-sea mining. Research Interests: Deep-sea biodiversity, taxonomic studies of copepods, environmental impact assessments, and ecological resilience in chemosynthetic environments. Recent publications emphasize the interplay between deep-sea mining and ecosystem stability, with a focus on community recovery mechanisms and genetic connectivity. Her work combines classical taxonomy, molecular methods, and advanced oceanographic technologies. Scientific Awards: NWO award for research on ocean floor ecosystems (2023) Gollner contributes to international efforts, including the International Seabed Authority, to draft environmental codes of conduct for deep-sea mining. She leads projects like MiningImpact3 and participates in multidisciplinary expeditions to assess deep-sea biodiversity.

• Virology
• Immunology
• CRISPR Screening
• +5 more

Xuesheng Wu is a Visiting Researcher at Utrecht University, affiliated with the Biomolecular Health Sciences Department under the School of Veterinary Medicine. Their research focuses on virology, immunology, and glycan biology, particularly studying RNA virus interactions with host receptors and immune evasion mechanisms. Recent work includes CRISPR screening for antiviral factors, structural analysis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protein interactions, and development of sialoglycan arrays to compare viral receptor requirements. They also investigate paramyxovirus dynamics using nanoparticle platforms and apply genetic code expansion for antiviral strategies. Their technical expertise spans CRISPR/Cas9, hydrogel-based stem cell cultures, and nanoparticle display systems, with applications in RNA virus attenuation, drug-resistant influenza neutralization, and vascular smooth muscle/endothelial cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells.

Hanneke VlamingView profile

Assistant Professor

• Transcription Regulation
• RNA Polymerase II
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Dr. Hanneke Vlaming is an Assistant Professor in the Genome Biology and Epigenetics division within the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity at Utrecht University, where she leads an independent research group since February 2023. Her laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that determine the fate of early elongating RNA Polymerase II, focusing on how the balance between early termination and productive elongation is achieved at both protein-coding genes and non-coding loci. Dr. Vlaming earned her BSc and MSc degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences (cum laude) at VU University Amsterdam, followed by a PhD at the Netherlands Cancer Institute under the supervision of Dr. Fred van Leeuwen. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School in the Adelman laboratory, where she developed the innovative INSERT-seq methodology to study sequence determinants of RNA Polymerase II elongation potential. BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (cum laude), VU University Amsterdam (2014) MSc in Drug Discovery & Safety (cum laude), VU University Amsterdam (2016) PhD in Molecular Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute/University of Amsterdam (2017) Her research focuses on understanding how productive transcription over long distances is achieved at protein-coding genes, and conversely, what drives early termination of RNA Polymerase II transcription at non-coding loci. The Vlaming group employs advanced high-throughput screening, precise genome editing approaches, and cutting-edge nascent-RNA sequencing techniques to decipher these molecular mechanisms. Their work has revealed that GC content of transcribed sequences and the presence of splice elements are critical determinants of transcription elongation potential. Analysis of Dr. Vlaming's publication record shows a consistent focus on transcription regulation, chromatin biology, and epigenetic mechanisms. Her work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms of histone modifications during her PhD to more recent work on RNA Polymerase II regulation. The publications demonstrate expertise in both experimental approaches (INSERT-seq, CRISPR screening, nascent RNA sequencing) and computational analysis of complex genomic datasets. Three prestigious postdoctoral fellowships awarded during her time at Harvard Medical School Dr. Vlaming is actively mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her lab currently includes PhD candidate Ilse Lagerwaard and researcher/teacher Nathalie Vroegindeweij-de Wagenaar. She has previously mentored several MSc students including Eline van Hardeveld, Anatoli Todorov, Irene Zanovello, and Laura Torroba Vicario. She emphasizes creating an environment where lab members are happy, inspired, and in charge of their own professional development. The lab is currently recruiting for a PhD position and welcomes MSc students for longer internships (minimum 6 months). The Vlaming lab employs innovative approaches including INSERT-seq (which she developed during her postdoc), CRISPR screening, and cutting-edge nascent RNA sequencing techniques (PRO-seq, TT-seq) to map the exact locations of transcriptionally engaged RNA Polymerase II and measure recently produced RNA. The lab is part of the Division of Genome Biology & Epigenetics within Utrecht University's Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity.

Pedro CrousView profile

Professor

• Mycology
• Fungal Evolution
• Biodiversity
• +3 more

Prof. Pedro Crous is a Professor of Molecular Microbiology at Utrecht University, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on fungal speciation, evolution, and biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on species recognition and sexual reproduction mechanisms in fungi. He holds significant roles in international organizations such as Past-President of the International Mycological Association and board member of multiple mycological foundations. His accolades include the Alexopoulos Award (1999) and election to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2018). He advises on scientific boards for institutions like DSMZ and serves on editorial boards of mycological journals. His contact is pwcrous1@uu.nl at the Hugo R. Kruyt Building, Utrecht. Research interests span fungal systematics, taxonomy, and their ecological roles. Recent publications (2024–2025) address Fusarium species complexes, hypocrealean fungi, and endophytic Diaporthe species. He collaborates globally on projects involving fungal phylogeny and nomenclature standards.

Seino JongkeesView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA-based catalysts
• Glycosidase inhibitors
• Viral detection technologies
• +4 more

Dr. Seino Jongkees is an Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Science (Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences) and AIMMS (Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences). His research focuses on RNA-based catalysts, enzymatic mechanisms, and peptide inhibitors with applications in drug discovery and diagnostics. He is also a cofounder of VirXcel and Stealth Biotech, demonstrating industry engagement in biotechnology. Research Interests His work spans glycosidase inhibitors, mRNA display technologies, viral detection systems, and genetic code expansion. Key projects include targeting glucuronidases, developing ultrasensitive viral sensors, and engineering macrocyclic peptides for therapeutic use. Recent advancements include bioluminescent detection of respiratory viruses and stability studies of mRNA/cDNA complexes. Collaborations & Projects Current projects include TULIP (targeting Gram-negative pathogens) and FunHitDisco (fungal hit discovery). He leads courses in Biochemistry and Biotechnology for Molecular Discovery, integrating research and education. Publications Recent work emphasizes RNA-based peptide discovery, codon reassignment, and enzymatic inhibitor design. His editorial contributions highlight innovations in bioactive peptide research through genetic technologies.

• Genetic Heterogeneity
• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• +6 more

Tanya Phung is a Researcher affiliated with the Complex Trait Genetics department at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, within the Faculty of Science. She is also part of the Amsterdam Neuroscience research group. Her work focuses on genetic heterogeneity, epigenetics, X chromosome inactivation, and molecular mechanisms in health and disease. Key research areas include placental development, alcohol use behaviors, respiratory pathology, and evolutionary adaptations in human populations. Her research interests span multiple disciplines, with a strong emphasis on genomic studies and their applications to clinical and evolutionary contexts. Notable contributions include investigations into the genetic basis of alcohol-related behaviors, the molecular mechanisms of squamous metaplasia in respiratory disorders, and the role of epigenetic regulation in placental biology. She also explores genomic adaptations in populations such as the Turkana people, highlighting human-environment interactions. Publications highlight trends in genetic and epigenetic analysis, with recent work emphasizing sex chromosome studies, tumor heterogeneity, and computational methods in genomics. Collaborations include projects with the COGA Investigators and researchers in oncology and anthropology.

• Plant Breeding
• Potato Research
• Tuber Development
• +7 more

Sara Bergonzi is a Researcher in Plant Breeding at Wageningen University & Research specializing in potato molecular biology and stress physiology. She leads multiple research projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying potato tuber development, cold stress tolerance, and flowering mechanisms, with implications for developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Dr. Bergonzi's research centers on plant molecular biology with a focus on potato (Solanum tuberosum) as a model system. Her work investigates the genetic and molecular basis of tuber development, stress responses (particularly cold and drought), and the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. She employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular genetics, physiology, and computational modeling to unravel complex regulatory networks in potato and related species. Her research on sucrose and callose metabolism has revealed important insights into symplastic unloading in potato tubers, while her work on the CYCLING DOF FACTOR 1 and its lncRNA counterpart StFLORE has linked tuber development with drought response pathways. Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding how environmental cues, particularly temperature and photoperiod, influence developmental transitions in both annual and perennial plants. A key theme across her work is the investigation of molecular pathways controlling tuber formation and the cross-talk between cold tolerance mechanisms and tuberization. Her research has significant implications for crop improvement, especially in developing climate-resilient potato varieties. Dr. Bergonzi actively supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects, including "Cold stress in potato (ColSol): unravelling stress tolerance mechanisms for climate resilient potatoes" (2023-2027) and "Dissecting cold tolerance mechanisms in potato and their cross-talk with tuberisation." She serves as co-promotor for several PhD candidates working on potato root developmental plasticity for drought stress resilience, cold tolerance mechanisms, and the molecular mechanism of StCLE17 peptide in regulating potato tuber development. Her research has garnered substantial attention in the scientific community, with several of her papers receiving numerous citations.

• Virology
• Flavivirus
• Mosquito-borne Viruses
• +5 more

Jelke Fros is an Assistant Professor at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in virology and mosquito-borne viral interactions. His research focuses on flaviviruses (e.g., West Nile, Zika, Chikungunya), RNA interference mechanisms, and antiviral protein dynamics. Research Outputs: Over 33 publications, including key contributions to understanding viral genome evolution, xenobiology, and neuroinflammatory impacts of Japanese encephalitis virus. Projects: Co-supervises PhD candidates in studies on arthropod-borne virus transmission, single-cell resolution analysis, and synthetic virology for genetic code expansion. Awards: Recipient of the 2020 Beijerinck Prize for virology research. Collaborations: Active in interdisciplinary networks exploring host immunity evasion, antiviral protein engineering, and mosquito-virus co-infection dynamics. Research Trends: His recent work emphasizes RNA interference in mosquito cell lines DNA methylation effects on blood-brain barrier permeability Evolutionary virology Antiviral protein modulation (e.g., ZAP) Synthetic biology applications in virology Co-infection dynamics in Culex pipiens mosquitoes Scientific Awards Beijerinck Prize (2020)

Peter van der GulikView profile

Researcher

• Evolutionary Biochemistry
• Genetic Code Evolution
• tRNA Biology
• +3 more

Peter van der Gulik is a researcher at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam, working in the Algorithms and Complexity department and the Information & Documentation section. His research focuses on evolutionary biochemistry, specifically the genetic code structure, tRNA biology, and eukaryogenesis. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Amsterdam (2019), advised by Harry Buhrman, Wouter Hoff, and Dave Speijer. His work bridges computational biology and evolutionary theory, addressing questions like the origins of the genetic code and the validity of taxonomic frameworks. Key contributions include defending the three-domain system of life, analyzing tRNA gene annotations in prokaryotes, and proposing taxonomic reforms. His publications span journals like BioEssays , Biological Reviews , and RNA Biology , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with both computational methods and biological theory. Current efforts emphasize resolving inconsistencies in evolutionary narratives through rigorous genomic analysis and historical biochemical data integration. Despite no listed awards, his work has influenced debates on foundational evolutionary concepts such as the tree of life paradigm and Linnaean taxonomy modernization. Grant details are not explicitly mentioned, but his affiliation with CWI and collaborations with institutions like Quantinuum and Oklahoma State University suggest active research partnerships.