Marc van der Maarel

Prof. Marc van der Maarel serves as Director of the School of Science and Engineering and holds a Professorship in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. His academic career includes roles as a University lecturer in Microbial Ecology (1995–1999), Senior scientist and project manager at TNO Quality of Life (1999–2008), and Manager Product and Application Development at AVEBE Food Innovation Center (2009–2011). He currently maintains affiliations as a visiting professor (2006–2011) and advisor to industrial entities like modAlgae BV and Imem Holding BV.

Van der Maarel earned his M.Sc. in Applied Biology (microbiology and biochemistry) from Radboud University (1986–1991) and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Groningen (1991–1995), with a thesis titled “Anaerobic microbial degradation of methylated sulphur compounds”. He also attended the Summer School Microbial Diversity at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, USA (1994).

His research focuses on carbohydrate bioprocessing, including glycogen structure and biosynthesis in microorganisms, starch modification via microbial enzymes, and applications of glycoside hydrolases. He explores enzyme engineering for industrial biocatalysis, functional food development, and sustainable biomass utilization. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and innovation.

Van der Maarel leads research projects on glycogen synthesis in red microalgae (Galdieria), synergistic enzyme systems in thermophiles, and Indonesian starch bioconversion. His publications emphasize enzymatic mechanisms, structural carbohydrate analysis, and industrial applications of microbial enzymes.

He advises students such as PhD candidate C. Yang and collaborates with institutions like TNO and AVEBE. External roles include leadership in pharmacy and biology education boards and participation in academic committees (e.g., CCTO, ALAMY_6). His research portal highlights active engagement with enzyme characterization and microbial metabolism studies.

Labs and teams: Directs the Bioproduct Engineering department and collaborates on the Centre for Carbohydrate Bioprocessing (UGR-TNO) and Carbohydrate Competence Centre. Maintains research ties with the AVEBE Food Innovation Center and modAlgae BV.