Research at the Faculty of Science (University of Amsterdam)
Looking back on 2024, we celebrate a year filled with remarkable achievements across the full spectrum of disciplines within our faculty. As in previous years, our researchers secured numerous grants for groundbreaking research and innovations that benefit society. In total, we were awarded 10 ERC Grants, 13 Veni/Vidi/Vici grants, and 9 NWO ENW grants in 2024. Congratulations to all the recipients—fantastic results! At the same time, I want to extend my thanks to those whose proposals were not funded this round. Don’t give up—your work is valued, and your persistence matters. I also want to recognize the dedication of the support staff who contributed so much to these applications.
I would like to highlight two particular accomplishments from this past year:
You can read more below about the exciting research conducted over the past year.
Thank you all for the passion, dedication, and hard work you bring to Science Park every day—in research, teaching, and support. We can all be proud of the impact we've made in 2024.
Peter van Tienderen,
Dean of the Faculty of Science
What is the role of technology in the work of scientists at the University of Amsterdam? And how can we use the developed innovations for societal challenges? In a series of interviews, we discuss this with researchers from the Faculty of Science.
8 research institutes
150 million revenue
2,190 (co-authored) publications
with 52% online attention
120 PhD ceremonies
1,130 academics
619 PhD's
99 full professors
59% international researchers
33% female academics
Aalt-Jan van Dijk's research focuses on the development and application of machine learning methods in the life sciences. In close collaboration with colleagues working on specific biological questions, he deploys these methods to analyze large data sets generated within research on molecular aspects of biology. These include data obtained from genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, for example.
Driven by a passion for understanding the adaptive responses of bacteria to different stimuli, El Aidy’s lab studies the profound implications of the gut microbiome for human health. Her team investigates microbial metabolism using cutting-edge analytical chemistry and microbiology techniques to identify previously unknown chemical signals generated by gut microbiota. Their recent breakthrough revealed how gut microbes can compromise the effectiveness of medications for Parkinson’s patients.
Van Wezel is a theoretical physicist whose research focuses on a better understanding of quantum phenomena. His scientific contributions cover a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from foundational concepts in quantum information and topology to microscopic modelling of correlated matter. He often works in direct collaborations with experimentalists.
In his research and teaching Chris Slootweg will focus on new concepts and processes that will help rendering chemistry sustainable and circular. Adding to his research, Slootweg maintains a strong focus on education and valorisation to help create solutions to today's societal challenges.
Hong Zhang's research focuses on the design and development of (bio-) functional light-responsive nanomaterials, and on the photophysics and photochemistry of spatially confined systems. In his teaching, he integrates the physics, chemistry and biology of nanomaterials into the BSc and MSc chemistry education.
Check the full list of professorial appointments, including the special appointments.
