Biomolecular Sciences
At the Biomolecular Sciences Cluster, we are focused on increasing humankind’s fundamental understanding of the diverse processes of life and disseminate the necessary knowledge for a brighter and sustainable future.
About us
Life is equally wonderful and mind-blowing in its complexity. While living organisms can span many meters, life arises at the billion-fold smaller scale of nanometers, where the molecules of life are orchestrated their intricate and vital functions. Advanced interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics are essential to study life at multiple levels.
Our objectives
- Elucidate the fundamental molecular underpinnings of life
- Unravel the origin of biomolecular (self)-organisation
- Design smart materials inspired by nature
- Pioneer analytical tools to study nature across time and length scales
Our themes
Molecular principles of life
How is life organised on the level of individual molecules? How does biological function arise at the micro and nanoscale? At the Biomolecular Sciences cluster, we work with interdisciplinary teams to answer fundamental questions at the forefront of the molecular life science research.
Our central aim is to understand the fundamental molecular principles that govern life from molecules to microorganisms to humans and to apply that knowledge to improve human quality of life.
Molecular principles of materials
Every day we use materials with highly engineered properties: nanoengineered implants, medical contrast agents and antifouling, antibacterial surfaces. Still, many challenges remain, particularly at the interface with biology. The Biomolecular Sciences cluster draws inspiration from nature and aims for a fundamental understanding of how molecular and mesoscopic structures yield the desired macroscopic properties. We pioneer the design of cutting-edge materials and unique instruments to reveal molecular underpinnings of nature’s molecular building blocks.
Molecular solutions for societal challenges
Today’s challenges for humanity are diverse, ranging from environmental to medical problems with world-wide consequences. At WUR, we develop innovative solutions for clean chemical and biotech-based industries, an efficient yet sustainable and safe food production, all embedded in a circular economy. In this endeavor, the Biomolecular Sciences cluster acts as a spearhead that lays the knowledge foundation for a broad spectrum of green innovations. In addition, we are proud to educate not only today’s but also tomorrow’s leaders of the field.
Our chair groups
Biochemistry
Biochemistry covers the chemistry of life processes. At the Dolf Weijers lab, we focuses on how biomolecules form, function and degrade inside cells. In short: "Cellular Biochemistry".
BioNanoTechnology
BioNanoTechnology, with chair Aldrik Velders, at Wageningen University & Research is active in the fundamental science and technology of micro- and nanosystems and their applications in food and health.
Biophysics
Biophysics, with chair Herbert van Amerongen, provide and apply physical techniques and try to understand life processes and structures in terms of underlying physical laws and principles. The distinction between the “life” (biology) and “dead” (physics) world is disappearing more and more.
Microbiology
The Laboratory of Microbiology, led by Thijs Ettema, engages in research and education focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of the diversity, physiology, ecology and evolution of microorganisms and their viruses.
Organic Chemistry
Led by Professor Han Zuilhof, the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry explores the structure, reactivity, properties and analysis of organic molecules. Our research takes place at the crossroads of nanotechnology, chemical biology, and organic synthesis. We design functional (bio-)organic materials that enable advanced applications, from biofunctional surfaces and selective sensors to sustainable bio-based synthesis.
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter at Wageningen University & Research is interested in phenomena at the nanoscale, where creative chemistry is essential, complex physics is a rule rather than an exception and biology comes to life. This chair group is led by Jasper van der Gucht.
Systems and Synthetic Biology
At the Systems and Synthetic Biology group, led by Maria Suarez Diez, we study the mechanisms underlying basic cellular processes, evolution and interactions among microbes and between microbes and their environment (including the human host). We do so in the context of entire biological systems. We translate the acquired knowledge into applications in biotechnological, medicine, and environmental science.
Toxicology
At the Toxicology chair group, led by Nico van den Brink, we train the toxicologists of the future. Our research develops new tools and strategies to assess the human and environmental health risks of food-borne chemicals. We aim to do so in a more predictive, mechanistic and animal-friendly manner.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry covers the chemistry of life processes. At the Dolf Weijers lab, we focuses on how biomolecules form, function and degrade inside cells. In short: "Cellular Biochemistry".
BioNanoTechnology
BioNanoTechnology, with chair Aldrik Velders, at Wageningen University & Research is active in the fundamental science and technology of micro- and nanosystems and their applications in food and health.
Biophysics
Biophysics, with chair Herbert van Amerongen, provide and apply physical techniques and try to understand life processes and structures in terms of underlying physical laws and principles. The distinction between the “life” (biology) and “dead” (physics) world is disappearing more and more.
Microbiology
The Laboratory of Microbiology, led by Thijs Ettema, engages in research and education focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of the diversity, physiology, ecology and evolution of microorganisms and their viruses.
Organic Chemistry
Led by Professor Han Zuilhof, the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry explores the structure, reactivity, properties and analysis of organic molecules. Our research takes place at the crossroads of nanotechnology, chemical biology, and organic synthesis. We design functional (bio-)organic materials that enable advanced applications, from biofunctional surfaces and selective sensors to sustainable bio-based synthesis.
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter at Wageningen University & Research is interested in phenomena at the nanoscale, where creative chemistry is essential, complex physics is a rule rather than an exception and biology comes to life. This chair group is led by Jasper van der Gucht.
Systems and Synthetic Biology
At the Systems and Synthetic Biology group, led by Maria Suarez Diez, we study the mechanisms underlying basic cellular processes, evolution and interactions among microbes and between microbes and their environment (including the human host). We do so in the context of entire biological systems. We translate the acquired knowledge into applications in biotechnological, medicine, and environmental science.
Toxicology
At the Toxicology chair group, led by Nico van den Brink, we train the toxicologists of the future. Our research develops new tools and strategies to assess the human and environmental health risks of food-borne chemicals. We aim to do so in a more predictive, mechanistic and animal-friendly manner.
News (8)
Contact
For chair group cluster related questions, please contact:
prof.dr. D (Dolf) Weijers
Professor/Chair Biochemistry