Leiden Science
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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 🚀🔬📚
#Science #Biodiversity #Sustainability #AI #DrugDiscovery #DrugDevelopment #ComplexNetworks #Quantum #Space
#Science #Biodiversity #Sustainability #AI #DrugDiscovery #DrugDevelopment #ComplexNetworks #Quantum #Space
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 – yet persists all the same. How is that possible? PhD candidate James France found new clues.
Triturus newts reveal a genetic balancing act
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 – yet persists all the...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
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 – yet persists all the same. How is that possible? PhD candidate James France found new clues.
Green cities and a well-protected food system: Roy Remme and Oliver Taherzadeh study ways to achieve these. But how can their scientific findings lead to societal change? They share their experiences with science-policy initiatives.
How science informs policy: ‘As a researcher, my work only becomes truly relevant once it is used in society’
Green cities and a well-protected food system: Roy Remme and Oliver Taherzadeh study ways to achieve these. But how can their scientific findings lead to societal change? They share their experiences ...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Green cities and a well-protected food system: Roy Remme and Oliver Taherzadeh study ways to achieve these. But how can their scientific findings lead to societal change? They share their experiences with science-policy initiatives.
Speculation about alien life, a new nitrogen map, AI as a thesis supervisor, groundbreaking telescopes and multi-million-euro investments to combat antimicrobial resistance – the diversity of these topics shows that our readers are just as broadly interested as our researchers.
Extraterrestrial life, AI and more: these are the most-read Leiden Science articles of 2025
Speculation about alien life, a new nitrogen map, AI as a thesis supervisor, groundbreaking telescopes and multi-million-euro investments to combat antimicrobial resistance – the diversity of these to...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Speculation about alien life, a new nitrogen map, AI as a thesis supervisor, groundbreaking telescopes and multi-million-euro investments to combat antimicrobial resistance – the diversity of these topics shows that our readers are just as broadly interested as our researchers.
How can we slow down atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes it may be possible by switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and strokes. She has been awarded the Established Investigator Dekker Grant from the Dutch Heart Foundation.
Over €900,000 awarded for new treatment against atherosclerosis
How can we slow down atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes it may be possible by switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and stroke...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:47 AM
How can we slow down atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes it may be possible by switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and strokes. She has been awarded the Established Investigator Dekker Grant from the Dutch Heart Foundation.
How do you combine the growth of wind energy with the protection of vulnerable seabirds? With her master’s thesis on this delicate balance, Sofie Hajer won the 2025 Unilever Research Prize. Her work provides new insights into how ecology and policy can strengthen each other.
Sofie Hajer wins prize for research on balancing wind energy and biodiversity
How do you combine the growth of wind energy with the protection of vulnerable seabirds? With her master’s thesis on this delicate balance, Sofie Hajer won the 2025 Unilever Research Prize. Her work p...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 5, 2025 at 7:29 AM
How do you combine the growth of wind energy with the protection of vulnerable seabirds? With her master’s thesis on this delicate balance, Sofie Hajer won the 2025 Unilever Research Prize. Her work provides new insights into how ecology and policy can strengthen each other.
🔬 Optical or electron microscopy… why not both?
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
December 4, 2025 at 1:51 PM
🔬 Optical or electron microscopy… why not both?
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the entire field.
Which algorithm solves which problem? Diederick Vermetten developed methods to find out
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the en...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 28, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the entire field.
How do atoms and molecules end up forming planets? That's what astrochemist Julia Santos studied during her PhD. She discovered the dominant process behind the formation of methanol in space – a finding that surprised the entire field.
One step closer to understanding planet-formation: Julia Santos refutes a 20 year standing paradigm
How do atoms and molecules end up forming planets? That's what astrochemist Julia Santos studied during her PhD. She discovered the dominant process behind the formation of methanol in space – a findi...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 AM
How do atoms and molecules end up forming planets? That's what astrochemist Julia Santos studied during her PhD. She discovered the dominant process behind the formation of methanol in space – a finding that surprised the entire field.
In the next Tuesday Talk on 9 December, Professor Sense Jan van der Molen will introduce ONEM, a one-of-a-kind microscope, and showcase its potential for electrochemistry, biology and life sciences. www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
November 21, 2025 at 8:48 AM
In the next Tuesday Talk on 9 December, Professor Sense Jan van der Molen will introduce ONEM, a one-of-a-kind microscope, and showcase its potential for electrochemistry, biology and life sciences. www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the entire field.
Which algorithm solves which problem? Diederick Vermetten developed methods to find out
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the en...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 20, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the entire field.
More CO2 in the atmosphere is making food crops more calorific, less nutritious and potentially more toxic. If we do not intervene, this could cause malnutrition, even in population groups that currently have enough to eat. These are the findings of Leiden research.
Higher CO2 levels are making our food more calorific and less nutritious Food crops
More CO2 in the atmosphere is making food crops more calorific, less nutritious and potentially more toxic.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 20, 2025 at 2:35 PM
More CO2 in the atmosphere is making food crops more calorific, less nutritious and potentially more toxic. If we do not intervene, this could cause malnutrition, even in population groups that currently have enough to eat. These are the findings of Leiden research.
A world-famous light experiment from 1801 has now been carried out with sound for the first time. Research by physicists in Leiden has produced new insights that could be applied in 5G devices and the emerging field of quantum acoustics.
How sound and light act alike – and not – at the smallest scale
A world-famous light experiment from 1801 has now been carried out with sound for the first time. Research by physicists in Leiden has produced new insights that could be applied in 5G devices and the...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 13, 2025 at 2:49 PM
A world-famous light experiment from 1801 has now been carried out with sound for the first time. Research by physicists in Leiden has produced new insights that could be applied in 5G devices and the emerging field of quantum acoustics.
The highly successful deep-sea telescope KM3NeT can now expand both its size and scope. Using a new type of microphone for underwater use, the telescope will attempt to detect the sound produced by neutrinos as they travel through the sea.
Listening to the deep sea: NWO Roadmap funding for the highly successful KM3NeT telescope
The highly successful deep-sea telescope KM3NeT can now expand both its size and scope. Using a new type of microphone for underwater use, the telescope will attempt to detect the sound produced by ne...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 13, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The highly successful deep-sea telescope KM3NeT can now expand both its size and scope. Using a new type of microphone for underwater use, the telescope will attempt to detect the sound produced by neutrinos as they travel through the sea.
PhD candidate Julia Wąsala searches for greenhouse gas emissions in satellite data. As a computer scientist, she bridges the gap between computer science and space research. ‘We really can't do this research without collaboration.
Using AI to track greenhouse gas emissions
PhD candidate Julia Wąsala searches for greenhouse gas emissions in satellite data. As a computer scientist, she bridges the gap between computer science and space research. ‘We really can't do this r...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 13, 2025 at 9:33 AM
PhD candidate Julia Wąsala searches for greenhouse gas emissions in satellite data. As a computer scientist, she bridges the gap between computer science and space research. ‘We really can't do this research without collaboration.
Astronomer Joseph Callingham and his team have observed for the first time a clear signal from a giant burst from a star outside our solar system. This would have a devastating impact on any unfortunate planet orbiting the star.
Evidence of a massive stellar storm on a nearby star
Astronomer Joseph Callingham and his team have observed for the first time a clear signal from a giant burst from a star outside our solar system. This would have a devastating impact on any unfortuna...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 13, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Astronomer Joseph Callingham and his team have observed for the first time a clear signal from a giant burst from a star outside our solar system. This would have a devastating impact on any unfortunate planet orbiting the star.
Arnold Tukker has been appointed as distinguished visiting professor at Nanjing University, one of China’s top research universities. ‘I am delighted about this opportunity to further connect our two institutions.’
International collaboration on environmental research with appointment Arnold Tukker at Nanjing University
Arnold Tukker has been appointed as distinguished visiting professor at Nanjing University in the field of industrial ecology.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 13, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Arnold Tukker has been appointed as distinguished visiting professor at Nanjing University, one of China’s top research universities. ‘I am delighted about this opportunity to further connect our two institutions.’
Scientists have discovered that starlings and parrots can imitate the complex sounds of Star Wars droid R2-D2 remarkably well. Their study reveals how the structure of a bird’s vocal organ determines its vocal abilities – and how citizen science helps uncover.
Can birds imitate Star Wars robot? Yes – and some are surprisingly good at it
Scientists have discovered that starlings and parrots can imitate the complex sounds of Star Wars droid R2-D2 remarkably well. Their study reveals how the structure of a bird’s vocal organ determines ...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 13, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Scientists have discovered that starlings and parrots can imitate the complex sounds of Star Wars droid R2-D2 remarkably well. Their study reveals how the structure of a bird’s vocal organ determines its vocal abilities – and how citizen science helps uncover.
How do cells repair their damaged DNA—and what happens when that process is hindered and cancer arises? Sarah Moser has taken a closer look during her PhD, uncovering surprising insights that could help improve future cancer treatments.
Unlocking the secrets of DNA repair: Sarah’s curiosity might lead to new cancer treatments
How do cells repair their damaged DNA—and what happens when that process is hindered and cancer arises? Sarah Moser has taken a closer look during her PhD, uncovering surprising insights that could he...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM
How do cells repair their damaged DNA—and what happens when that process is hindered and cancer arises? Sarah Moser has taken a closer look during her PhD, uncovering surprising insights that could help improve future cancer treatments.
Reposted by Leiden Science
Stel je voor: het licht gaat uit. Geen internet, pinpas en navigatie. Klinkt als science fiction, maar het kan allemaal gebeuren door ruimteafval. Sterrenkundige Thomas Wijnen legt in deze video van @universiteitvannl.bsky.social uit waar ruimtepuin vandaan komt en hoe we het kunnen opruimen.
Zitten we straks opgesloten op aarde? 🛰️
YouTube video by Universiteit van Nederland
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Stel je voor: het licht gaat uit. Geen internet, pinpas en navigatie. Klinkt als science fiction, maar het kan allemaal gebeuren door ruimteafval. Sterrenkundige Thomas Wijnen legt in deze video van @universiteitvannl.bsky.social uit waar ruimtepuin vandaan komt en hoe we het kunnen opruimen.
Mini organs-on-chips allow us to study how diseases develop and how drugs work. Although the technology is not new, it is becoming increasingly advanced. PhD candidate Bart Kramer hopes it will eliminate animal testing in the future.
Mini organs-on-chips: an alternative to drug testing on animals
Mini organs-on-chips allow us to study how diseases develop and how drugs work. Although the technology is not new, it is becoming increasingly advanced. PhD candidate Bart Kramer hopes it will elimin...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 6, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Mini organs-on-chips allow us to study how diseases develop and how drugs work. Although the technology is not new, it is becoming increasingly advanced. PhD candidate Bart Kramer hopes it will eliminate animal testing in the future.
Leiden University, together with Utrecht University, the LUMC and 10 other Dutch universities and institutes, has been awarded a grant of more than €30 million in the NWO call Roadmap Large-scale Scientific Infrastructure (GWI).
Huge boost for electron microscopy thanks to NWO grant
Leiden University, together with Utrecht University, the LUMC and 10 other Dutch universities and institutes, has been awarded a grant of more than €30 million in the NWO call Roadmap Large-scale Scie...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 5, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Leiden University, together with Utrecht University, the LUMC and 10 other Dutch universities and institutes, has been awarded a grant of more than €30 million in the NWO call Roadmap Large-scale Scientific Infrastructure (GWI).
Physicists from Leiden University wrote the script and ensured that every experiment in the performance was scientifically accurate. The kickoff of the major educational project of the Amsterdam Light Festival was a huge success — and there’s much more to come.
Quantum theater show with Leiden script a big hit among 1600 Amsterdam children
Physicists from Leiden University wrote the script and ensured that every experiment in the performance was scientifically accurate. The kickoff of the major educational project of the Amsterdam Light...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 5, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Physicists from Leiden University wrote the script and ensured that every experiment in the performance was scientifically accurate. The kickoff of the major educational project of the Amsterdam Light Festival was a huge success — and there’s much more to come.
Join us next week during the Tuesday Talk with Ilze Bot. She will talk about how certain immune cells play a role in atherosclerosis, and what new treatment strategies might help to reduce the risk of sudden cardiovascular events. Be there! www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
November 4, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Join us next week during the Tuesday Talk with Ilze Bot. She will talk about how certain immune cells play a role in atherosclerosis, and what new treatment strategies might help to reduce the risk of sudden cardiovascular events. Be there! www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) has received a €750,000 grant from ZonMw for QPharmNL. This is a continuing education programme that trains professionals in computational techniques in pharmacology for innovative drug development.
LACDR launches training programme for innovative drug development
The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) has received a €750,000 grant from ZonMw for QPharmNL. This is a continuing education programme that trains professionals in computational techniqu...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 31, 2025 at 1:34 PM
The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) has received a €750,000 grant from ZonMw for QPharmNL. This is a continuing education programme that trains professionals in computational techniques in pharmacology for innovative drug development.
Leiden researchers have found clues to why a rare pregnancy disorder is mild in some babies but life-threatening in others. Their discovery opens the door to a test that could identify severe cases during pregnancy. Fortunately, a treatment already exists.
Researchers unravel mystery behind rare pregnancy disorder
Leiden researchers have found clues to why a rare pregnancy disorder is mild in some babies but life-threatening in others. Their discovery opens the door to a test that could identify severe cases du...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 31, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Leiden researchers have found clues to why a rare pregnancy disorder is mild in some babies but life-threatening in others. Their discovery opens the door to a test that could identify severe cases during pregnancy. Fortunately, a treatment already exists.