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Faculty of Science | University of Leiden | Discover our research, education & events | Meet the amazing people who work and study with us ππ¬π #Science #Biodiversity #Sustainability #AI #DrugDiscovery #DrugDevelopment #ComplexNetworks #Quantum #Space
When a baby is born too soon, every minute counts β and so does every decision. To reduce uncertainty in those critical moments, biopharmaceutical scientist Manchu Umarani Thangavelu dedicated her PhD to identifying molecular markers of preterm birth and neonatal infection.
Human activity is making the underwater world increasingly noisy. PhD candidate Fien Demuynck researched how wind farms affect fish and how to minimise any negative impact. βWe donβt want animals to become stressed, disoriented or deaf.β
When a bacterium becomes resistant to one antibiotic, it may sometimes become more sensitive to another. This biological side-effect offers an unexpected opportunity in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
How do biological cells join forces to form a structure? In her PhD research, Daphne Nesenberend uses mathematics to show how forces and cooperation between cells create structure β and how simulations and experiments can reinforce each other.
Leiden ecotoxicologist Martina Vijver helped shake a European policy proposal in a single weekend. Not with a new experiment, but with years of research on pesticides β and an urgent letter that reached Brussels.
In his research, Serge Lemay uses the tools and methods of physics and applies these to todayβs most important challenges in electrochemistry. Now, he brings his expertise in nanoscale electrochemistry to Leiden University, where he contributes to pioneering solutions for the energy transition.
The Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) has a new professor: as of 1 March, Frederic Lens has been appointed Professor of Biodiversity and Anatomy of Plants. For Lens, the appointment feels like a wonderful recognition.
Soft structures that can take on different shapes without any external drive. Leiden physicists Daniela Kraft and Julio Melio created them in their lab. A breakthrough that opens the door to smart, reconfigurable materials and microscopic robots.
Astronomers in Leiden have used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to produce a new detailed image of the centre of our Milky Way, allowing them to investigate the life of stars in the most extreme region of our galaxy.
The radio telescope LOFAR, with a major contribution from Leiden Observatory, has produced the most detailed radio map of the Universe ever made. Never before have so many cosmic radio sources been captured in a single survey: 13.7 million.
Quantum physics may sound abstract, but PhD candidates Kirsten Kanneworff and David Dechant show that quantum research can also be very concrete. Together, they are investigating how quantum technology can change the world.
How do you know if a drug will actually work? The Leiden-based spin-off Omivera is developing a new technology that could provide clearer answers. The young company received a seed investment from the investment fund UNIIQ to support its development.
Physicists in Leiden have built a microscope that can measure no fewer than four key properties of a material in a single scan, all with nanoscale precision. The instrument can even examine complete quantum chips, accelerating research and innovation in the field of quantum materials.
Quantum software is essential to make quantum technology work. Research centers QuSoft and aQa work together at the forefront of the Netherlandsβ quantum software efforts. With the launch of the Quantum Software Alliance (QSA), this collaboration now scales globally.
Tuberculosis bacteria survive by hiding in our immune cells. In her PhD research, biologist SalomΓ© MuΓ±oz SΓ‘nchez explores how boosting the bodyβs own defenses might outsmart this deadly pathogen. Her work reveals two key proteins that help immune cells destroy the bacteria.
Scientists at Leiden University have now, for the first time, mapped the influence of imperfect platinum surfaces, providing a more accurate picture of these electrodes, with applications in hydrogen production and sensors.
From researching plastic pollution to caring for injured wildlife, volunteers play a crucial role in conservation. But much of the valuable knowledge they gather remains unused, according to PhD candidate Liselotte Rambonnet.
βBy cleverly combining new techniques for analysing DNA at the level of individual molecules, we can achieve real breakthroughs in research into conditions such as dementia,β predicts Professor John van Noort.
What do you do when a discovery in the lab shows real promise? Scientist Mirjam Huizenga founded a startup to develop a new treatment for nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. βThe goal is to give patients a better option.β
The British astronomer and mathematician Edmond Halley was not, after all, the first to understand the cycle of the comet that now bears his name. It was the monk Eilmer of Malmesbury who, as early as the 11th century, linked two observations of the comet.
Quantum technology has the potential to transform society. But how can you effectively inform the public about such complex and enigmatic science and technology? PhD candidate Aletta Meinsma explored this.
If Europeans eat less meat and dairy, this will have major consequences for farmers. New research shows that many barns and machines could lose their value. With the right policies, these losses can be limited. This is shown by research from Leiden, Oxford and Vienna.
From flooding to heat stress or biodiversity loss: cities everywhere face challenges due to climate change. Arnold Tukker and Mingming Hu (CML) will look for solutions in the Dutch-Chinese ReSURE2 project that received 1.1M euro.
Lions in Kenya respond very differently to human land use, climate and conservation practices. concludes Leiden biologist Monica Chege. βEffective conservation only works when management is tailored to local conditions and developed with and around local communities.β
Since 1 October, Sabina ChiΘΔ has been working as a coach for first-generation students in Physics. But who are first-generation students, and why might they need a coach? Six questions to Sabina ChiΘΔ.
From childrenβs birthday parties to international ambassadors, the Old Observatory attracts a wide range of visitors. Student coordinator Sanne van Beek connects visitors and students, ensuring everyone β from five to sixty-five β learns something about the stars.
PhD candidate Yuchen Lian (LIACS) wants to understand why human languages look the way they do β and find inspiration to improve AI along the way. She defended her thesis on 12 December.
Science journalist Anna Gimbrère and physicist Julia Cramer will open the Quantum Escape Room in Eindhoven on Wednesday, 17th of December. Researchers from Leiden worked closely with the designers to make sure the escape room is not only exciting, but also truly quantum.
An evolutionary 'trap' that has haunted crested and marbled newts for 25 million years: Leiden researchers have uncovered a mysterious DNA error that should not be able to arise β yet persists all the same. How is that possible? PhD candidate James France found new clues.
