Huib Bakker

Prof. Huib Bakker is the Director and Group Leader of the Ultrafast Spectroscopy research group at AMOLF, Amsterdam. His work focuses on molecular-scale studies of water, ice, and aqueous systems using advanced techniques like femtosecond vibrational spectroscopy and GHz-THz dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. Key research areas include ion hydration dynamics, proton transfer mechanisms, hydrophobic interactions, and interfacial water behavior in biological and engineered systems.

His research has revealed critical insights into cooperative effects of ions on water dynamics, proton conduction via the Grotthuss mechanism, and the structural impact of hydrophobic groups on water. Collaborations with industry (e.g., Wetsus, Unilever) aim to advance desalination technologies and protein stability studies. Recent projects explore proton transfer in confined spaces and membrane-water interactions.

Notable achievements include pioneering femtosecond vibrational spectroscopy for water studies and discovering long-range cooperative effects in ion hydration. His group actively supervises PhD students and has produced impactful publications in Nature Chemistry, Science, and PNAS.