Dr. Guillermo Amador is an Assistant Professor in the Experimental Zoology department at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on understanding how animals interact with complex environments through locomotion, adhesion, and fluid dynamics. He investigates biological systems like insects, plants, and marine organisms to inspire bio-engineered solutions for robotics, microfluidics, and material science. Amador received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), followed by postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (Germany) and a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship at TU Delft (Netherlands). His expertise spans biophysics, biomaterials, and biomechanics, with a focus on self-cleaning mechanisms and bioadhesion. He collaborates with the 4TU consortium on Dutch Soft Robotics to develop bio-inspired designs. His work bridges fundamental biology with engineering applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to solve challenges in robotics and environmental science. Amador teaches courses including Biomimetics and Functional Zoology , integrating his research into education. His research highlights include studies on cuttlefish suction cups, stick insect adhesion, and pollen transport mechanisms in pollinators.
Ulf Hanefeld is a Full Professor and Section Leader in the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Applied Sciences , Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) , where he leads the Biocatalysis research section. His work integrates chemistry and biology to develop sustainable synthetic methodologies using enzymes. PhD from Georg-August-Universität zu Göttingen (1993) Postdoctoral experience at Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, and TU Delft Recipient of a Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) fellowship His research interests center on biocatalysis , particularly enzymes that enable difficult chemical transformations such as C–C bond formation , enantioselective hydration , and ozonolysis . He focuses on enzyme discovery, engineering, immobilization, and application in flow chemistry to achieve sustainable and efficient synthesis. His work spans from fundamental enzyme mechanism studies to industrial applications in green chemistry . The publication trends reveal a consistent focus on enzyme immobilization , flow reactor systems , and chemo-enzymatic cascades . His recent work emphasizes the use of hydroxynitrile lyases , aldolases , and methyltransferases for the synthesis of chiral intermediates under environmentally benign conditions. The integration of biocatalysis with continuous manufacturing highlights a strong commitment to industrial applicability and process sustainability. Scientific contributions and recognition : Active contributor to high-impact journals in chemistry and biotechnology Coordinated research in the CassaFLOW project (international academic-industrial collaboration) Author of influential reviews, e.g., in Chemical Society Reviews (2022) Teaching and supervision : He teaches Catalysis (Bachelor) and Advanced Biocatalysis (Master), and supervises numerous Master’s theses (MEP) and Bachelor’s projects (BEP) . Students in his group are actively involved in research and often become co-authors on scientific papers. Projects center on green chemistry, enzyme engineering, and spectroscopic analysis of biochemical systems. Laboratory and research environment : The Ulf Hanefeld Group operates within the Biocatalysis section, a multidisciplinary environment fostering collaboration on enzyme discovery, immobilization, and cascade reactions. The group emphasizes practical innovation, with strong links to industry and international research networks.
Ibo van de Poel is a Full Professor at Delft University of Technology , within the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management , specifically in the Section Philosophy . He holds the prestigious Antoni van Leeuwenhoek professorship , awarded to excellent young researchers, and is a leading figure in Design for Values , engineering ethics , and technology as social experimentation . Education: Van de Poel studied Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society at the University of Twente , with a propaedeutic exam in Mechanical Engineering . He earned his PhD in Science and Technology Studies (STS) in 1998 from the University of Twente , under the supervision of Prof. Dr. A. Rip. Research Interests: His research spans three major themes: Design for Values : Investigating how moral values can be integrated into engineering design, including empirical studies on how engineers handle value conflicts. Moral Responsibility in R&D Networks : Exploring the "problem of many hands" in large-scale research and development projects, developing formalizations and empirical methods. Ethics of Emerging Technologies : Examining ethical issues in new technologies like nanotechnology and synthetic biology , with a focus on technology as social experimentation . Publications and Impact: Van de Poel has authored over 25 international peer-reviewed articles and 15 book contributions . He is co-editor of major works including the Handbook of Philosophy of Technology and the Engineering Sciences (Elsevier, 2009), Philosophy and Engineering (Springer, 2010), and Ethics, Engineering and Technology (Wiley-Blackwell, 2011). His recent work includes leading the VICI project "New Technologies as Social Experiments" , funded by NWO. Scientific Awards: Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Professorship (TU Delft) VICI Grant for "New Technologies as Social Experiments: Conditions for Morally Responsible Experimentation" Advising and Grants: Van de Poel has led and contributed to multiple high-impact projects, including: NWO Project on "Moral Responsibility in R&D Networks" (2007–2012) EU Project on ethical issues in synthetic biology (2009–2011) VICI Project on "New Technologies as Social Experiments" (ongoing) He has also supervised PhD students and contributed to educational innovations, including the development of the AGORA web-based program and the first Dutch textbook on ethics and technology . Labs and Teams: Van de Poel is an active member of 4TU.Ethics & Technology , a federation of Dutch technical universities focused on ethics and technology. He contributes to the Simon Stevin Series in the Ethics of Technology and participates in various reading groups and PhD communities within the network.
Daniela Kraft is a Professor of Experimental Physics at the Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory , part of the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) at Leiden University. She obtained her Ph.D. cum laude from Utrecht University and completed postdoctoral research at New York University's Center for Soft Matter Research with a Rubicon grant. Her research bridges self-assembly in soft and biological matter , including colloidal particles , lipid membranes , and active systems . Key awards include the NWO Athena Prize (2019) , ERC Starting Grant , VENI/VIDI fellowships , and the Biophysical Journal Paper of the Year (2017) . She has published extensively in journals like Nature Communications , ACS Nano , and Physical Review Letters , with recent work on membrane-deforming colloids , non-additive interactions , and anisotropic microswimmers . Research Focus : Self-organization principles in biological and synthetic systems, colloidal model systems, and non-equilibrium physics. Labs : Leads the Kraft Lab at Leiden University. Education : Ph.D. in Physics (Utrecht University), Postdoc in Soft Matter Physics (NYU).
Prof. dr. Tessa Quax is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, leading research in Molecular Microbiology . Her work focuses on archaeal virology and virus-host interactions, supported by prestigious grants including an ERC Starting Grant (2022) and NWO Vidi Grant (2023). Key Research Areas: Archaeal virus entry/egress mechanisms Cell surface dynamics and motility Extreme environment microbiology Genetic tool development for archaea Recent publications in Nature Reviews Microbiology (2025) and Current Opinion in Microbiology (2024) highlight her work on viral host recognition and structural diversity. Her lab's 44 research outputs span archaeal cell biology, viral evolution, and ecological impacts of virus-induced lysis. Scientific Recognition: KNAW Beijerinck Premium (2022) KNAW Early Career Award (2021) Hector Research Career Development Award (2021) ERC Starting Grant (2022) As Chair of the International Society for Viruses of Microbes SAB and Speaker of the German Microbiology Society's Microbial Viruses group, she coordinates global research networks including a HFSP grant (2023) with Japan/Australia/USA collaborators. Her lab currently includes PhD candidate Zaloa Aguirre Sourrouille and multiple postdoctoral researchers.
Dr. Renske Hijbeek is an Associate Professor at the Plant Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Her research focuses on nutrient management in arable farming systems, emphasizing soil fertility improvement through organic waste recycling, legume cultivation, and minimizing environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. She teaches courses including 'The Carbon Dilemma - A Soil Perspective' and 'Analysing Sustainability of Farming Systems'. Key projects include the GRA Benchmarking Nutrient Circularity and EDF Soil Carbon Sequestration initiatives. Her work integrates agronomy with ecological principles to achieve sustainable agricultural practices globally. Research Contributions: Dr. Hijbeek's projects address nutrient circularity, soil carbon dynamics, and organic amendment efficiency across temperate and tropical regions. Recent work explores dietary impacts on nitrogen fertilizer dependency and systemic redesign of food production systems. Collaborations: Active in international collaborations like the Global Crop Nutrient Removal Database and the CATCH-C Legumes project in Tanzania. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges crop science, environmental management, and policy analysis.
Professor Roland J. Pieters is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, where he serves as a full Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. With over two decades of experience at the institution, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1998) to Associate Professor (2005) and ultimately to Full Professor (2010-present). His research group is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work at the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with particular emphasis on developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial infections and pathogenic mechanisms. Full Professor, Utrecht University (2010-present) Associate Professor, Utrecht University (2005-2010) Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (1998-2005) NWO Talent Post-doctoral Fellow, ETH-Zürich (1995-1996) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Groningen (1996-1998) Professor Pieters earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen in 1990, where he worked with Professor Ben Feringa, and completed his Ph.D. at MIT in 1995 under the supervision of Professor Julius Rebek Jr. His doctoral research focused on molecular recognition and template effects in bisubstrate systems, establishing the foundation for his lifelong interest in molecular interactions. Professor Pieters' research primarily centers on glycodrugs and the strategic interference with protein-carbohydrate interactions using multivalent systems of varying architectures. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how rigid spacers in multivalent ligands can dramatically enhance binding affinity to target proteins, with applications against viral and bacterial adhesion proteins, toxins, galectins, and glycosidases. A particular focus has been on developing inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecA, cholera toxin, influenza virus hemagglutinin, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with host cell receptors. His group also pioneered the use of glyco- and peptide-microarrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions and drug discovery, particularly in the area of O-GlcNAcylation research. The publication record of Professor Pieters demonstrates consistent innovation in the field of multivalent carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His recent work (2020-2024) shows a strategic expansion into viral pathogenesis (particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2), immune modulation through glycan recognition, and novel approaches to vaccine development. A notable trend is the increasing sophistication of multivalent architectures, moving from simple divalent systems to tetra- and hexavalent ligands with precisely engineered spatial arrangements. His research bridges fundamental chemical principles with practical therapeutic applications, maintaining strong connections to pharmaceutical development while advancing basic science understanding of carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. Professor Pieters' scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including a Fellowship from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 1999 and a VICI personal grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in 2008. These competitive awards reflect the significance and innovation of his research program. He has also served on editorial advisory boards, notably as Section Editor-in-Chief for Chemical Biology in the journal Molecules (2018-2022), contributing to the scholarly community through peer review and academic leadership. Fellowship of Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), 1999 VICI, personal grant, NWO, 2008 Section Editor-in-Chief Chemical Biology for Molecules (2018-2022) Throughout his career, Professor Pieters has coordinated significant research projects including the EU project POLYCARB and secured competitive funding that has sustained his innovative research program. His laboratory has fostered numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally, creating a vibrant research environment that has trained many scientists now working in academia and industry. His research on multivalent carbohydrate systems represents a sustained intellectual contribution to chemical biology with direct relevance to developing new anti-infective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Professor Pieters leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, situated in the David de Wied Building. His laboratory maintains strong connections with other research groups both within Utrecht University and internationally, particularly in the fields of glycobiology, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. The research environment he has cultivated emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and biological testing to address fundamental questions in carbohydrate-mediated biological processes with therapeutic applications.
Prof. Wouter Roos is a Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, affiliated with the Molecular Biophysics department at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. His research focuses on viral dynamics, membrane assemblies, and protein mechanics, utilizing advanced techniques like High Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) and optical tweezers. Education: Studied Physics at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, earned a PhD from the Universität Heidelberg under Joachim Spatz. Conducted postdoctoral research at Max-Planck-Institut, Institut Curie, and Vrije Universiteit before joining Groningen in 2015. Research Interests: Physical Virology (viral material properties and dynamics), membrane biophysics (synthetic cells and lipid interactions), and molecular motor systems. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology to understand nanoscale biological processes. Recent Article Trends: Studies on hybrid membranes for synthetic cells, leukemic cell mechanics, and antibiotic-membrane interactions highlight his interdisciplinary approach. Key techniques include HS-AFM and single-particle tracking. Awards: Received a VIDI grant and multiple national/international grants. His lab leads the oLife Co-Fund consortium and participates in the MOSBRI research infrastructure. Grants & Leadership: Coordinates the oLife Fellowship Programme and chairs the Molecular Biophysics Lab. Active in steering committees for EU-funded initiatives. Labs/Teams: Heads the Molecular Biophysics Lab, focusing on viral dynamics and membrane systems. Collaborates globally on projects like ESCRT-III polymerization and antibiotic mechanisms.
Dr. Ed E. Moret is an Associate Professor of Computational Medicinal Chemistry at Utrecht University, where he serves as Managing Director of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is a member of the Departmental Executive Board and Chair of the Board of Examiners of the School of Pharmacy. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. Utrecht University, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery Managing Director since January 2010 Dr. Moret's educational background includes completing Gymnasium-b at Gymnasium Camphusianum in Gorinchem in 1979, followed by pharmacy studies at Utrecht University until 1988. He earned his PhD in 1993 with research on calculations and simulations of DNA-alkylating cytostatics under supervision of Prof. L.H.M. Janssen and Prof. J.P.A.E. Tollenaere. He also conducted postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute with Prof. A.J. Olson. His primary research interests focus on molecular recognition, particularly in auto-immune diseases, with expertise spanning computational medicinal chemistry, computer-aided drug discovery, cheminformatics, and bioinformatics. Dr. Moret's work bridges the gap between theoretical calculations and experimental validation in drug design. His research portfolio demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental molecular interactions to applied drug discovery, with particular emphasis on enzyme inhibitors, carbohydrate-protein interactions, and molecular recognition processes. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong focus on structure-based drug design, with significant contributions to the development of inhibitors for enzymes like β-glucocerebrosidase, NNMT, and neuraminidase. His work spans multiple therapeutic areas including lysosomal storage disorders, cancer metabolism, and infectious diseases. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in the integration of computational approaches with experimental validation across biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry. Teacher of the Year (awarded three times by Pharmacy students) Member of editorial boards for Medicines and Conceptuur journals Secretary of Board of FIGON (2016) Secretary of Raad voor de Farmaceutische Wetenschappen (2024) Member of Board of Stichting Farmaceutische Erfgoed (2024) Dr. Moret has been actively involved in educational innovation, developing and coordinating the master's programme Drug Innovation, the profile Drug Regulatory Sciences, and the Honours programme Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has taught courses for pharmacy, chemistry, UCU and medical sciences students, as well as PhD courses in bioinformatics and computer-aided drug discovery. His educational contributions include developing an inquiry-based elective course on drug discovery, for which he published educational research. He holds BKO and SKO teaching qualifications and participated in the Centre of Excellence in University Teaching program. As Managing Director of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Moret leads research initiatives across chemical biology, drug discovery, and pharmaceutical sciences. His leadership extends to multiple advisory and editorial roles within the pharmaceutical research community, reflecting his significant contributions to both academic and professional spheres of pharmaceutical sciences.
Luc Brunsveld is a Full Professor of Chemical Biology at Eindhoven University of Technology's Department of Biomedical Engineering, embedded in the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). His research focuses on chemical biology approaches to modulate protein-protein interactions, with applications in drug discovery and synthetic cell development. Brunsveld has held academic roles at TU/e since 2008, preceded by postdoctoral fellowships at the Max Planck Institute and industry experience at Organon. Education: Master's (1997) and PhD (2001, cum laude) from TU/e and University of Illinois. Grants: ERC Starting, Proof of Concept, Advanced Grants; NWO Vici Grant (2015). Research interests include molecular glues, supramolecular chemistry, and artificial cells. Recent work highlights light-activatable proteases and beta-cell protection via ChREBP modulation. Awards include the NVBMB Award (2010) and KNCV Gold Medal (2013). Co-founder of Ambagon Therapeutics. Labs/Teams: ICMS Core Group, Chemical Biology Group.
Dr. Reuben Leveson-Gower is an Assistant Professor in the Biocatalysis Section of the Department of Biotechnology at TU Delft. His research focuses on designing enzymes for novel chemical reactions, combining synthetic chemistry principles with biological systems to advance green chemistry and deepen understanding of enzyme mechanisms. He holds a PhD from the University of Groningen (cum laude) and has expertise in protein engineering, directed evolution, and computational enzymology. Notable awards include the FEBS Short-Term Fellowship and the Salters’ Institute Graduate Prize. Education: PhD in Chemistry (Groningen), MChem with First Class Honors (Durham). Research Focus: Artificial enzyme design, biocatalytic reactions, protein engineering, and sustainable chemical processes. Awards: FEBS Fellowship, Salters’ Prize, cum laude PhD distinction. His lab employs interdisciplinary techniques such as synthetic chemistry, bioinformatics, and mechanistic enzymology to evolve enzymes for non-natural reactions. Key projects include developing Friedel-Crafts alkylases and boron-catalyzed systems. Collaborations emphasize translational applications in industry and environmental sustainability.
Jan C.M. van Hest is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), holding positions in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) . He leads research at the intersection of polymer chemistry and biomedicine, focusing on bio-inspired materials, nanomedicine, and artificial cells. His work includes developing synthetic vaccines, drug delivery systems, and adaptive nano/microcompartments mimicking cellular functions. Academic Background : Ph.D. in macro-organic chemistry from TU/e (1996), postdoc at the University of Massachusetts (protein engineering), and industry roles at DSM (1997–2000). Since 2016, he has held the Bio-organic Chemistry chair at TU/e, supervising over 30 PhD students and co-founding startups like Encapson and Noviosense. Research Highlights : His research spans nanomedicine (e.g., polymersomes for cancer treatment) and artificial cells (e.g., synthetic organelles). Recent work includes therapeutic nanovaccines and self-propelled platinum-loaded stomatocytes. His publications span Nature Nanotechnology , Nature Chemistry , and Angewandte Chemie . Awards & Collaborations : Recipient of the ERC Advanced Grant (2015) and NWO Gravitation Grant (2013). Partnerships with GSK, Zoetis, and industry initiatives like the TKI-LSH EUREKA project. Engages in education through courses like Biochemistry and Introduction to Chemistry & Chemical Technology. Labs & Teams : Core member of ICMS, leading interdisciplinary projects in functional molecular systems. Active in training the next generation of researchers through postgraduate programs like ICMS PTN.
Zoë Robaey is an Assistant Professor in Ethics of Technology at Wageningen University’s Philosophy Group. Her work focuses on moral responsibility in uncertain technological contexts, particularly in biotechnology and agriculture. She holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology (2017) and prior roles include postdoctoral research at Delft and work at the Rathenau Institute. She currently serves on the Management Team of the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology, is an Associate Editor at Science and Engineering Ethics , and actively advises on synthetic biology competitions like iGEM. Her research integrates conceptual ethics with empirical studies, addressing challenges like GMO ownership, inclusive biobased innovations, and biomimetic design. Awards include a VENI Grant (2019) and recognition in the 'Young Philosophers' program (2017). She engages widely in public debates on agriculture and technology through platforms like Pakhuis de Zwijger. Education: BA Biology (University of Ottawa, 2007), MA Science and Technology Studies (Maastricht University, 2008), MA Public Policy (Hertie School of Governance, 2011). Research interests span ethical governance of emerging technologies, responsible innovation frameworks, and the intersection of biotechnology with societal values. Recent work explores biomimetic ethics, climate change education, and safe-by-design approaches in synthetic biology. Grants include the VENI Grant (2019) supporting her work on virtues in innovation. She has advised the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and collaborates internationally on projects like the Inclusive Biobased Innovations initiative (2017–2019). Labs/Teams: Active in the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology, contributing to interdisciplinary ethics research networks. Teaches courses on ethics of food systems, synthetic biology, and molecular life sciences.
Professor Gerrit Jan Poelarends is a distinguished academic at the University of Groningen, holding the position of Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He serves as Director of the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy and Head of the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology. His extensive research portfolio spans biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis, with significant contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through environmentally friendly chemical processes. Prof. Poelarends' research interests focus on the discovery and design of novel biocatalysts for pharmaceutical applications. His work centers on developing enzymatic pathways for asymmetric synthesis of noncanonical amino acids, creating enantioselective biocatalysts for various synthetic bond-forming methodologies, and characterizing promiscuous protein functions to understand enzyme evolution. His research group actively explores enzyme engineering guided by mutability landscapes, development of engineered peroxygenases, and discovery of ene- and nitroreductases for sustainable chemistry applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis through enzyme engineering, particularly in the areas of nitroreductases, C-N lyases, and peroxygenases. His work consistently bridges fundamental enzymology with practical applications in green chemistry, demonstrating expertise in both understanding enzyme evolution and applying this knowledge to create biocatalysts for environmentally friendly production of pharmaceuticals. His scientific achievements have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards including NWO VENI, VIDI, and VICI grants, ERC Starting and Proof of Concept grants, and competitive fellowships for his students. These awards highlight the innovative nature and impact of his research in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. Prof. Poelarends has supervised over thirty PhD students throughout his career, with current supervision of multiple doctoral candidates working on projects related to enzyme engineering and biocatalysis. His research has been supported by substantial grants from NWO, the European Union (including multiple ERC grants), and collaborative international projects, reflecting the significance and scope of his work. The Pharmaceutical Biotechnology group he leads includes technicians, postdocs, and PhD students working on various aspects of enzyme discovery and engineering. The research team operates within well-established laboratory facilities at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, with access to state-of-the-art equipment for protein expression, purification, structural analysis, and biocatalytic reaction screening. Their work is closely integrated with the University of Groningen's broader research initiatives in sustainable chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to multiple EU-funded training networks and collaborative projects.
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor at Tufts University in the Department of Biology within the School of Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of both the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University and the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. His laboratory investigates the intersection of developmental biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science. Allen Discovery Center at Tufts Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology Tufts/UVM: ICDO Harvard Wyss Institute Stibel Dennett Consortium for Brain and Cognitive Science The Proteus Institute MIT Science and Technology Center EBICS Levin's research focuses on understanding diverse intelligence in evolved, designed, and hybrid complex systems. His lab combines developmental biophysics, computer science, and behavioral science to study how cognition scales up from cellular competencies to organism-level behaviors. A key specialty is developmental bioelectricity—the study of how somatic electrical networks store, process, and act on information to control large-scale body structure. His team creates tools to read and edit the bioelectric code guiding proto-cognitive computations in the body. Levin's publications reveal a strong focus on bioelectricity, morphogenesis, and non-neural cognition across multiple model systems including Xenopus, planarians, and synthetic living constructs. His recent work explores collective intelligence as a unifying concept across biological scales, the development of microfluidic devices for measuring electrical connectivity, and optical estimation of bioelectric patterns in living embryos. His research spans fundamental developmental mechanisms to potential biomedical applications in regeneration and disease treatment. As an editor, Levin serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Bioelectricity and Founding Associate Editor of Collective Intelligence. He has mentored numerous post-doctoral fellows and graduate students who have gone on to establish their own research programs. His lab has received significant attention for creating novel biological machines (xenobots) and demonstrating that cells can store and transmit behavioral memory outside the brain. The Levin Lab maintains several significant research initiatives including the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and collaborations with the Wyss Institute at Harvard. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining wet lab experiments with computational modeling to investigate how living systems achieve goal-directed behavior and pattern formation.
