News & updates
Latest developments from our institute
Stay informed about new research results, awards, events, and collaborations across our scientific community.
Adding a scientific flavor to Zwarte Cross
For the first time, AMOLF participated in the Netherlands’ largest summer festival, Zwarte Cross. Together with volunteers from NWO, the AMOLF team introduced children to the fascinating world of molecules. The AMOLF booth was located in the festival’s children’s area, Blagenparadijs, as part of the NWA (National Science Agenda) carried out by NWO.
Former AMOLF group leader Wim de Jeu passed away
Sadly, on June 3rd, 2026, former AMOLF group leader Wim de Jeu passed away. He will be remembered by many current and former AMOLF colleagues.
Solar panels on AMOLF building
AMOLF recently switched on its own solar panels on its roof. During a live interview at an internal meeting, facilities manager Nik Noest appeared on a big screen live from the AMOLF roof while switching on the solar panels. His project colleague Cees van der Ven was present in the AMOLF canteen to show the output dashboard. Under loud applause, the solar panels were put into operation, providing electricity to cover part of AMOLF’s demand.
New publication showcases highlights from AMOLF in 2025
AMOLF has launched the first edition of Lab Stories, a new publication presenting a selection of scientific achievements and technical innovations from 2025. It offers a broad overview of the diversity of research at AMOLF, ranging from sustainable energy materials and information processing in matter to autonomous and adaptive systems. It also highlights the people, technical expertise, and collaborations that enable the institute’s science.
WomenNetPhysics symposium fosters inclusivity in the physics community
On May 8, a group of 120 young researchers came to Amsterdam Science Park for the third edition of WomenNetPhysics (WNP), the largest Dutch networking event for women in physics. Bringing together both women and men, the event united participants through a shared interest in improving the position of women in the field. WomenNetPhysics 2026 was organized by: AMOLF, UvA IoP, ARCNL, and NIKHEF.
AMOLF receives grant from Sustainable Science Fund
How can we make research at AMOLF more sustainable? One answer to this question is to reduce the amount of liquid nitrogen used for performing experiments. Recently, AMOLF was awarded a grant of 48,760 euro from NWO and the Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN) to purchase equipment that will allow the institute to produce gaseous nitrogen in-house. As a result, AMOLF will purchase less liquid nitrogen, which requires a significant amount of energy to produce.
Vibrant ExpeditieNext
Each spring, AMOLF participates in ‘ExpeditieNext’, the national science festival for kids. This year, AMOLF expanded its contribution by offering two activities: ‘Make your own hologram’ and the newly developed ‘Flavor enhancers’. ‘ExpeditieNext’ 2026 took place in Enkhuizen on May 1.
Princess of Orange visits AMOLF
On Thursday, 16 April, the Princess of Orange visited Amsterdam Science Park, including AMOLF. Princess Amalia, who has been studying at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), was in Amsterdam for an introductory visit at the invitation of Mayor Femke Halsema. The theme was Amsterdam Tech City, with a special focus on AI and sustainable solar energy. At Amsterdam Science Park, researchers, students and entrepreneurs work together on solutions to tomorrow’s societal challenges.