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).
Daniel Vanmaekelbergh is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University, where he leads research in the Condensed Matter and Interfaces group within the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous contributions to nanomaterials science and semiconductor physics. Professor Vanmaekelbergh's research focuses on the fundamental properties of semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, and artificial electronic lattices. His work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to investigate electron transport, quantum confinement effects, and the optical properties of nanoscale materials. He has made significant contributions to understanding the formation mechanisms of nanocrystal superlattices, the electronic structure of artificial honeycomb lattices, and the dynamics of excitons in confined systems. His research group, known as the Vanmaekelbergh Lab, employs advanced techniques including scanning tunneling spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy to probe nanoscale phenomena. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on the physics of quantum-confined systems, particularly in lead chalcogenide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals. His work explores the relationship between nanocrystal structure and electronic properties, with applications in optoelectronics and quantum technologies. Recent research has focused on oriented attachment processes, artificial quantum systems with fractal geometries, and the fundamental limits of light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials. Professor Vanmaekelbergh has established a productive research program with numerous collaborations across the Netherlands and internationally. His work has been published consistently in high-impact journals including Nature Physics, Nano Letters, and ACS Nano, demonstrating the significance of his contributions to the field of nanomaterials science.
Prof. Robbert Jan Kok is a Professor of Drug Delivery Technology at Utrecht University's Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) and Programme Director for the Bachelor of Pharmacy. He obtained his Pharmacy degree (1993) and PhD in renal drug targeting (1998) from the University of Groningen, followed by postdoctoral research on endothelial-targeted drug delivery. His work spans curriculum development for pharmacy programs and interdisciplinary research in drug innovation. Research Focus: Kok specializes in advanced drug delivery systems, including nanomedicines for kinase inhibitors, 3D-printed formulations, and stimuli-responsive carriers. Key areas include: Targeted delivery to tumors, kidneys, and inflamed tissues Polymeric micelles, liposomes, and microspheres for sustained release Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic optimization Publication Trends: His recent work emphasizes nanotechnology-enabled therapies (e.g., curcumin nanodelivery, photodynamic micelles) and device-integrated drug release (3D-printed implants, macroencapsulation). Studies frequently combine material science with preclinical validation in cancer, renal diseases, and inflammatory disorders. Academic Leadership: Kok oversees student advising, laboratory operations, and international collaborations at UIPS. His team explores translational applications of drug delivery platforms, including partnerships for vascularized tissue engineering and combination therapies.
Marie Hennebelle is an Associate Professor in Food Chemistry at Wageningen University & Research, where she conducts cutting-edge research on lipid oxidation, oxidative stability of vegetable oils, and plant-based emulsion systems. Her work integrates advanced analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to understand food degradation and preservation mechanisms. Her research interests span Food Chemistry , Lipid Oxidation , Oxidative Stability , Vegetable Oils , NMR Spectroscopy , and Plant-Based Emulsions . She investigates the chemical behavior of lipids in complex food matrices, particularly focusing on oleosomes and triacylglycerol isomerism. The recent articles highlight a strong trend in analytical food chemistry, particularly in the application of NMR and mass spectrometry for lipid profiling. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical food science, aiming to improve shelf life, nutritional quality, and sustainability of plant-based food products. Co-promotor, CULTURE project: Targeted feeding of adipose cultures for sustainable meat alternatives Co-promotor, PhD on milk fat globule membrane functionality Co-promotor, PhD on plant-based alternatives to milk fat globule membranes Co-promotor, PhD on antioxidative effects of plant protein compounds Co-promotor, PhD on omega-3 oils and gut-brain health Dr. Hennebelle collaborates extensively within Wageningen University, particularly with researchers such as J.P. Vincken, J.P.M. van Duynhoven, and K. Hettinga. Her lab is involved in multiple active and funded projects focused on sustainable food systems, lipid carriers, and plant-based alternatives, positioning her at the forefront of innovative food science research.
Ilja K. Voets is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, leading the Self-Organizing Soft Matter research group. She is also a Core member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Her academic journey began at Wageningen University & Research where she earned her PhD cum laude in 2008, followed by postdoctoral research at the Aldolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland. Since 2011, she has been at TU/e, becoming a full professor in 2018. Her educational background includes Molecular Sciences at Wageningen University & Research, with a PhD focusing on micellisation in dilute aqueous solutions of oppositely charged double hydrophilic block copolymers. She was supervised by dr. Arie de Keizer and prof. Martien A. Cohen Stuart. Professor Voets leads an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers studying self-assembly processes in biological soft matter. Her research focuses on colloidal self-organization, polymer assembly and folding, and protein biophysics, with particular interest in ice-binding proteins that help organisms survive in extreme cold environments. She investigates how to control intra- and intermolecular copolymer assembly to develop novel functional soft materials, artificial enzymes, and strategies to enhance colloidal stability. A key challenge in her work involves orchestrating colloidal self-assembly with remote cues such as light and temperature. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on antifreeze proteins, colloidal assembly, and nanoparticle technology, with significant contributions to understanding ice-binding mechanisms and developing novel soft materials. The research demonstrates consistent high-impact output across prestigious journals including PNAS, Angewandte Chemie, and Biomacromolecules. Ambizione Award (2010) : Recognizing early-career research excellence DMS Science and Technology Award (2009) : For significant contributions to materials science ERC Consolidator Grant (2021) : Supporting advanced research in ice-binding protein-polymers Ice-binding protein-polymers project (2016) : Focused on control over ice growth in soft materials Innovative peptide system award (2019) : For novel drug targeting approaches Professor Voets supervises numerous research projects and students, teaching courses including Biological Physics, Physical Chemistry, and Experimental Soft Matter. Her research group is affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories, and the Gravity Program Functional Molecular Systems. Industry collaborations include DSM, Kemetyl, and Unilever, demonstrating the practical applications of her fundamental research. Her work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water.
Karin Schroen is a Full Professor in Food Process Engineering at Wageningen University & Research, focusing on food emulsions, lipid oxidation, and sustainable packaging materials. Her research integrates nanotechnology, colloid science, and membrane processes to develop innovative food systems and biodegradable materials. Her work addresses challenges in food stability, nutrient delivery, and environmental impact through projects like bio-nanocomposite packaging and controlled lipid digestion systems. She supervises multiple PhD candidates and collaborates on interdisciplinary initiatives, including the INSIGHT project for probiotic delivery and food structure design. Key areas include Pickering emulsions, chitin-based nanocomposites, and oxidative stability mechanisms. Her contributions span over 396 publications, with recent emphasis on lipid oxidation dynamics and microfluidics applications.
Hendrik Jan (Henk) Busscher is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the W.J. Kolff Institute. His research focuses on biomaterial-associated infections, microbial adhesion mechanisms, and surface modification strategies to prevent biofilm formation on medical implants. He has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director-owner of consulting firm SASA BV, and serves as Editor of Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces . Research interests include physico-chemical interactions of biomaterials with biological components, antibiotic resistance, and nanotechnology applications in infection control. He has supervised over 79 PhD students and authored >636 publications, achieving an H-index of 58. Key contributions span biofilm dynamics, surface characterization techniques, and in vitro/in vivo infection models. His work emphasizes translational research, bridging academic and industrial partnerships in biomaterials innovation. Recent studies explore quantum dot synthesis for biomedical applications, pH-responsive drug delivery systems, and magnetic nanoparticle-based antibacterial strategies. Collaborations include global institutions and companies like Philips and Procter & Gamble. His interdisciplinary approach addresses sustainable healthcare challenges, particularly in preventing infections from medical devices.
Prof. Henny van der Mei is a Full Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences, affiliated with the Man, Biomaterials and Microbes (MBM) department. His research focuses on biomaterial-associated infections, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation. He holds editorial roles at Colloids and Surfaces; Biofilms and FEMS Reviews Microbiology . Research Interests: Van der Mei's work centers on understanding how modified biomaterial surfaces influence bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Key areas include antimicrobial strategies for medical implants, nanotechnology applications in infection control, and the development of novel antibiofilm agents. His expertise spans biomaterials science, microbiology, and biomedical engineering. Recent Articles: His most recent studies explore carbon quantum dots for antimicrobial applications, macrophage interactions with Staphylococcus aureus, and single-atom catalysts for antibacterial therapy. He has published over 680 articles, with a focus on biofilm dispersal mechanisms and nanomaterial-based solutions to antibiotic resistance. Awards: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive research output and editorial roles highlight significant contributions to the field. Grants/Advising: Supervised over 100 works and actively participates in global initiatives like the European Water Tech Week. His activities include keynote speaking at conferences on biofilms, biomaterials, and water technology. Labs/Teams: Leads research in antimicrobial biomaterials and biofilm control at the UMCG, collaborating internationally on projects addressing infections in medical devices and water systems.
Dr. Gabrie Meesters is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Applied Sciences. He is affiliated with the Product and Process Engineering (PPE) section, where his research centers on product-driven process design and particle technology, often in collaboration with industrial partners. His academic background includes an MSc and PhD in Chemical Engineering from TU Delft, completed in 1992. He previously balanced his academic role with R&D positions at DSM in Delft, working one day per week at the university until 2019, when he transitioned to full-time academia. His research interests include: Product Driven Process Design Particle Technology Product Formulation Fluidization of Cohesive Powders Hydrodynamics in Multiphase Systems Nanoparticle Clustering and Dispersion Recent publications highlight a strong focus on experimental and imaging techniques such as X-ray imaging and radioactive particle tracking to study fluidization behavior, vibrational effects, and nanoparticle interactions. These works fall within the broader domains of chemical engineering, materials science, and process systems engineering. He supervises PhD candidates, including Rens Kamphorst, and contributes to educational programs by teaching courses such as Product and Process Design (PPD), Conceptual Design Project (CDP), and Particle Technology for Health and Energy. He also serves as a contact person for internship inquiries. His research group maintains active collaborations with industry and academic partners, supported by access to advanced instrumentation and facilities at TU Delft.
Chase Broedersz is an Associate Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Science's Physics of Living Systems department and the LaserLaB - Energy research group. He leads interdisciplinary research on cell migration, chromosome mechanics, and active matter, combining experimental and theoretical approaches. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Research Interests: Focus on cell migration dynamics , chromosome organization , biopolymer mechanics , and nonlinear elasticity . Recent studies explore bacterial chromosome topology, metastasis prevention mechanisms, and 3D nuclear deformation during cell movement. His methods include Hi-C data analysis, single-molecule tweezers, and computational modeling. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes chromosome condensation mechanics , active matter dynamics , and nonlinear elasticity in biopolymers . Key 2024-2025 studies include ion-mediated mitotic chromosome mechanics and metastasis suppression by miR-200c. Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants/Advising: Supervised one PhD thesis and contributes to datasets like biopolymer matrix nonlinear elasticity studies. Labs/Teams: Active in LaserLaB and collaborates internationally on cell migration and chromosome physics.
Mojtaba Falahati is a Researcher at Erasmus University Medical Center working within the Pathology department. His research focuses on the intersection of nanotechnology and cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on developing novel nanosystems for targeted drug delivery and cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Falahati's research interests span several key areas in nanomedicine and pharmacology: Nanoparticle-based cancer therapies Drug delivery systems for oncology applications Nanozymes and catalytic cancer therapy Protein-nanoparticle interactions in biological systems Pulmonary delivery of nanotherapeutics Targeted tumor treatment using advanced nanomaterials His publication record demonstrates expertise in developing innovative approaches to cancer treatment through nanotechnology. Recent work has focused on lipid-based nanosystems for immune therapy, catalytic imaging-guided cancer therapy using nanozymes, and core-shell nanostructures for targeted drug delivery. His research bridges the gap between materials science, pharmacology, and clinical oncology, with the goal of improving therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. Dr. Falahati has established collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions, as evidenced by his co-authorship on numerous high-impact publications in top journals including Journal of Hematology and Oncology, Coordination Chemistry Reviews, and Advances in Colloid and Interface Science. His work has received significant attention in the scientific community, with several publications accumulating dozens of citations within a short timeframe.
Institute for Atomic and Molecular PhysicsNetherlands
Prof. dr. Martin van Hecke is a group leader at the FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam and a professor of physics at Leiden University. He obtained his PhD in theoretical physics from Leiden University in 1996 and has since led interdisciplinary research at the intersection of experiments, simulations, and theory in soft matter and mechanical metamaterials. Professor of Physics, Leiden University Part-time Group Leader, AMOLF PI of the 'Designer Matter' and 'Modern Mechanics' initiatives His research focuses on harnessing disorder and frustration in materials to design systems where complex behavior emerges, particularly in mechanical metamaterials capable of storing and processing information. Key areas include pattern formation, origami-inspired design, jamming, and the inverse problem in material science. Notable scientific awards include the Vici grant (2011) and the ERC-Advanced grant (2021). His group at AMOLF actively trains PhD students such as Bernat Dura Faulí, Colin Meulblok, and Margot Teunisse, while pioneering collaborations in programmable materials and soft robotics. Selected publications highlight his work on emergent memory , geometric control , non-Abelian mechanics , and information processing in materials . His research infrastructure leverages the AMOLF NanoLab and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) facilities.
Jack Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in the Physics and Physical Chemistry of Foods. His research focuses on interfacial phenomena in food systems, particularly plant protein functionalization, oleosome membrane mechanics, and foam/emulsion stabilization. He leads multiple interdisciplinary projects combining physics, data science, and food technology. Key research interests include: Interfacial rheology of plant proteins and phospholipids Stabilization mechanisms in food foams and emulsions Utilization of plant-based ingredients (rapeseed, mung bean, asparagus) Development of sustainable food processing methods Recent work emphasizes protein-phenolic interactions, AI-driven food system modeling, and valorization of agricultural by-products. He collaborates extensively with industry partners on plant protein innovation and has pioneered methods for high-yield oleosin extraction. Current projects include large language model applications in food product development and physics-encoded neural networks for prediction of complex food systems. As a co-promotor for seven PhD candidates, Yang supervises research on topics like functional protein-extract interactions, microstructure imaging of protein interfaces, and combining physics with data science for functionality prediction. His work bridges fundamental colloid science with practical food formulation challenges.
Daniel Bonn is a Professor at the Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, affiliated with the WZI (Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute for Physics). His research laboratory is located at Science Park 904, room C4.230, with contact email D.Bonn@uva.nl and phone +31 (0)20 525 5887. His research focuses on: Soft Matter Physics Fluid Dynamics Surface Science Granular Materials Colloid Science Biophysics Professor Bonn's experimental work investigates fundamental mechanisms in complex fluid systems, including emulsion stabilization by plant proteins, ice-water interfacial phenomena, and aerosol dynamics. His recent publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary connections between fundamental physics and applications in environmental science (indoor air pollution mitigation), biotechnology (lung surfactant preservation), and agriculture (pesticide delivery optimization). The integration of high-speed imaging, rheological characterization, and fluorescence microscopy enables novel insights into interfacial dynamics across multiple scales.
Valeria Garbin is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Applied Sciences. She heads the Transport Phenomena section and leads the Garbin Research Group, which focuses on microscale fluid dynamics, soft and biological materials, colloid and interface science, aiming to advance sustainable processes and products, including applications in drug delivery and bioprocessing. Institution: Delft University of Technology Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences Department: Department of Chemical Engineering Section: Transport Phenomena Position: Full Professor She obtained her MSc in Physics from the University of Padova (2003) and her PhD from the University of Trieste, Italy (2007). She was a Rubicon Fellow at the University of Twente (2007–2009), a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania (2009–2012), started her independent group at Imperial College London (2012), and joined TU Delft in 2019. Her research interests center on microscale transport phenomena in complex fluids, including droplets, particles, and biological systems. She integrates fluid dynamics with soft matter physics and colloid science to understand how microstructural changes affect macroscopic behavior in formulated products such as foods, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals. A major focus is on enabling sustainable innovation by replacing harmful ingredients through fundamental insights into flow and interfacial behavior. Valeria Garbin has secured several high-level research grants, including an ERC Starting Grant (2015), an ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2022), and an NWO Vici Grant (2022). She has been recognized with the McBain Medal (2018) and the Soft Matter Lectureship (2020). Her research group includes postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working on topics such as Pickering emulsions, microfiber filtration using acousto-fluidics, and electrohydrodynamic drying of biomass. Although no specific article list was provided in the source text, her work likely spans journals in soft matter, fluid mechanics, and chemical engineering, with emphasis on experimental, simulation, and modeling approaches to complex fluid systems. ERC Starting Grant (2015) ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2022) NWO Vici Grant (2022) McBain Medal (RSC/SCI, 2018) Soft Matter Lectureship (RSC, 2020) She advises multiple PhD students and postdocs, contributing to training the next generation of scientists in transport phenomena and sustainable technology. Her group collaborates across disciplines to bridge fundamental science with industrial applications. She teaches courses such as Fysische Transportverschijnselen (BSc), Advanced Interfacial Engineering (MSc), and Molecular Transport Phenomena (MSc), contributing significantly to chemical engineering education at TU Delft. The Garbin Research Group is actively involved in developing scalable, non-clogging filtration technologies, improving energy efficiency in drying processes, and designing tunable multiphase catalytic systems. Their approach combines precision experiments, particle-based simulations, and analytical modeling to link microscale dynamics to macroscopic performance.
