Leiden Science
@leidenscience.bsky.social
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
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.
Leiden researchers, led by Sebastian Pomplun developed a new method to screen hundreds of thousands of molecules for drug discovery, using mass spectrometry instead of DNA tags. ‘We wanted to make drug discovery faster and more accessible.’
A faster way to find new medicines – without the limitations of big DNA barcodes
Leiden researchers, led by Sebastian Pomplun developed a new method to screen hundreds of thousands of molecules for drug discovery, using mass spectrometry instead of DNA tags. ‘We wanted to make dru...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 30, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Leiden researchers, led by Sebastian Pomplun developed a new method to screen hundreds of thousands of molecules for drug discovery, using mass spectrometry instead of DNA tags. ‘We wanted to make drug discovery faster and more accessible.’
Studying video games for your PhD research. It might sound unlikely, yet it is exactly what PhD candidates Giulio Barbero and Matthias Müller-Brockhausen did. Read more:
Gaming your way through a PhD: 'Studying games is not just cool, it's important'
Giulio Barbero and Matthias Müller-Brockhausen did their PhD research at the Leiden University Game Research Lab.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 29, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Studying video games for your PhD research. It might sound unlikely, yet it is exactly what PhD candidates Giulio Barbero and Matthias Müller-Brockhausen did. Read more:
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Vidi grants to 14 Leiden researchers. This grant of a maximum of 850,000 euros will enable them to start a new research group and develop their own line of research over the next five years.
Fourteen Leiden University researchers receive Vidi grant
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Vidi grants to 14 Leiden researchers. This grant of a maximum of 850,000 euros will enable them to start a new research group and develop their own line of...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 29, 2025 at 7:56 AM
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Vidi grants to 14 Leiden researchers. This grant of a maximum of 850,000 euros will enable them to start a new research group and develop their own line of research over the next five years.
Reposted by Leiden Science
🎉 NWO Vidi grant for Bas Hensen and Evert van Nieuwenburg! These two physicists will continue their research on🧲Levitated magnets with a twist and a spin: towards macroscopic quantum superpositions and 🎮Formal games for solving hard quantum control problems. @leidenscience.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 10:25 AM
🎉 NWO Vidi grant for Bas Hensen and Evert van Nieuwenburg! These two physicists will continue their research on🧲Levitated magnets with a twist and a spin: towards macroscopic quantum superpositions and 🎮Formal games for solving hard quantum control problems. @leidenscience.bsky.social
Exotic marsh frogs from distant lands are colonising the south-east of the Netherlands. This has been demonstrated by biology students from our faculty. Although the amphibians thrive in our little country, they are harmful to native biodiversity.
Explosive expansion of invasive marsh frogs
Exotic marsh frogs from distant lands are colonising the south-east of the Netherlands. This has been demonstrated by biology students from our faculty. Although the amphibians thrive in our little co...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 23, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Exotic marsh frogs from distant lands are colonising the south-east of the Netherlands. This has been demonstrated by biology students from our faculty. Although the amphibians thrive in our little country, they are harmful to native biodiversity.
Astronomers have found complex organic ice outside the Milky Way for the first time. The discovery shows that the building blocks of life could arise early in the universe - and under a variety of conditions, said Leiden astronomer Will Rocha.
Scientists discover building blocks of life in ice around a forming star in neighboring galaxy
Astronomers have found complex organic ice outside the Milky Way for the first time. The discovery shows that the building blocks of life could arise early in the universe - and under a variety of conditions, said Leiden astronomer Will Rocha.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 23, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Astronomers have found complex organic ice outside the Milky Way for the first time. The discovery shows that the building blocks of life could arise early in the universe - and under a variety of conditions, said Leiden astronomer Will Rocha.
When you imagine a scientific conference, you might think of endless presentations and coffee breaks. But at the Lorentz Center in Leiden, things are a little different. Here, scientists don’t just listen—they collaborate, debate, and design the future of their field.
What really happens behind the scenes at a Lorentz Center workshop?
When you imagine a scientific conference, you might think of endless presentations and coffee breaks. But at the Lorentz Center in Leiden, things are a little different. Here, scientists don’t just li...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
October 21, 2025 at 6:19 AM
When you imagine a scientific conference, you might think of endless presentations and coffee breaks. But at the Lorentz Center in Leiden, things are a little different. Here, scientists don’t just listen—they collaborate, debate, and design the future of their field.