Herma Cuppen is a theoretical chemist who studies molecular movements in solids. Such movements at the molecular scale can initiate processes that can ultimately be seen at the macroscopic scale. Sample processes include creating the building blocks of life in space and changing the structure of crystals. The latter process will have a decisive influence on the shelf life of drugs, among other things.

Her appointment as professor will allow Cuppen to focus on expanding advanced simulation methods, which are also being developed at the UvA to simulate complex systems. 

About Herma Cuppen

Cuppen has been affiliated with Radboud University since 2011, where she became professor of Computational Chemistry in January 2018. She sits on the management team of Radboud University's Institute for Molecules and Materials. Cuppen has been appointed chair of the gender and diversity policy advisory committee at Radboud University's Faculty of Science effective September 2019. 

She worked as an NWO Veni fellow at Leiden University's Leiden Observatory between 2006 and 2010. Cuppen was previously affiliated with Ohio State University as a postdoctoral researcher. She has been awarded a range of research grants, including an NWO Veni grant in 2006, an NWO Vidi grant in 2010 and an ERC Starting Grant in 2010.