Research at the Faculty of Science (University of Amsterdam)
(inleiding 100-120 woorden)
Susan te Pas,
Dean of 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
Van Amerongen's research is positioned at the intersection of developmental, stem cell and cancer biology. It focuses on unravelling the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the growth and maintenance of mammalian tissues. A fundamental understanding of how cells divide and adopt a specific identity (differentiate), such that different tissues and organs acquire and maintain their final form and function, forms the foundation for new prevention strategies, diagnostics and therapeutic interventions in medicine.
Ensing aims to improve and apply AI to accelerate the discovery of new molecules with desired characteristics, focusing on the scientific as well as societal aspects of their application. Generative machine learning models are able to explore the immense volume of possible molecules, the so-called chemical space, searching for new compounds and predicting new drug molecules, catalyst materials, or biodegradable polymers.
Te Pas' academic career began in physics: she studied Experimental Physics at Utrecht University and subsequently conducted PhD research in the field of Vision Sciences. Later, she switched to Psychology and became interested in education and educational management. Since 2012 Te Pas has been professor of Cognitive Psychology of Higher Education at Utrecht University. With Te Pas' appointment as dean of UvA's Faculty of Science on 1 July 2025, she was appointed a professor at the University of Amsterdam.
Check the full list of professorial appointments, including the special appointments.