John Kennis

John Kennis is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, holding dual affiliations in the Department of Biophysics Photosynthesis/Energy and the LaserLaB - Energy. His research focuses on physico-chemical mechanisms of photic energy reception, storage, and processing in biological and biomimetic systems, utilizing advanced spectroscopic techniques. He leads a multidisciplinary group collaborating with molecular biologists, chemists, and structural biologists.

Education includes a Doctoraal (eq. MSc) in Physics from the University of Amsterdam (1992) and a PhD in Biophysics from Leiden University (1997, cum laude). He has held prestigious fellowships including NWO-VICI and NWO-VIDI, and received the Morino Foundation Lecturer award.

Research interests span photoreceptor protein activation, energy transfer in light-harvesting systems, and optogenetic tool development. Over 134 publications and 4 datasets highlight his contributions to spectroscopy and energy conversion. Courses taught include 'Project zenuw-werk' and 'Sustainable Energy: Sun, Water and Wind'.

Awards include the HFSP Long-term Fellowship (1998–2000) and the cum laude distinction for his PhD. His work advances optogenetic technologies and photoprotective mechanisms in cyanobacteria.