News & updates
Latest developments from our institute
Stay informed about new research results, awards, events, and collaborations across our scientific community.
NWO ENW-XL grant awarded to consortium studying how embryos tell time
A research consortium led by AMOLF group leader Jeroen van Zon has been awarded an NWO ENW-XL grant to combine efforts and elevate curiosity-driven research to the next level. A total of 2.7 million euros has been granted for the project “How developing embryos use noisy clocks to tell time with high precision.”
AMOLF and Delft University of Technology join forces to develop revolutionary microscopy technology
A joint research project between AMOLF, Delft University of Technology, Delmic and Technolution has received funding from the National Growth Fund program ‘NXTGEN Hightech.’ This project, which aims to push the boundaries of microscopy technology, is poised to create innovative tools for semiconductor and life sciences applications. We spoke with group leader Albert Polman and researcher Magda Solà Garcia of AMOLF’s Photonic Materials group, to learn more about this groundbreaking endeavor.
Bas Overvelde in radio broadcast on: how soft robots can save lives
What do a ketchup bottle and balloons have to do with robots? That was the opening question of an NPO Radio 1 broadcast in which Bas Overvelde, leader of AMOLF’s Soft Robotic Matter Group, appeared. Bas was interviewed in ‘De Nacht van NTR Wetenschap’ to discuss the life-saving potential of soft robots. These flexible robots, made from soft materials, can adapt to their environment and respond to touch. While they’re gentle enough to pick fruit without damage, their potential goes far beyond: by mimicking the human heart, researchers aim to develop a hybrid robotic heart, offering hope for heart failure patients awaiting transplants.
Computers that work like our brain: Menachem Stern takes on the challenge
Menachem Stern started at AMOLF as a group leader on August 1st. His research group, Learning Machines, focuses on topics such as power-efficient algorithms for neuromorphic computers. Recently, the Journal of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) published an article titled “Controlling AI’s Growing Energy Needs,” which features an interview with Menachem about his work.
AMOLF group leader Wim Noorduin wins prestigious NWO Stairway to Impact Award
Wim Noorduin (AMOLF group leader / UvA professor) has been awarded the prestigious NWO Stairway to Impact Award for his success in translating fundamental research into a societal application. In close collaboration with his group members Wim developed a lead detection test and started the company Lumetallix to address global lead poisoning.
AMOLF opens upgraded NanoLab and says farewell to Hans Zeijlemaker
On November 21, researchers, staff, and guests gathered at AMOLF to celebrate two significant milestones: the opening of the newly upgraded NanoLab cleanroom and the farewell of a beloved colleague, Hans Zeijlemaker, after an impressive 44-year career at the institute.
AMOLF celebrates 75 years of magical times with network members
On November 12, AMOLF celebrated its 75th anniversary with its network partners at the iconic Felix Meritis in Amsterdam. The celebration drew together a diverse crowd of research collaborators, industry partners, policymakers, AMOLF staff and other esteemed relations. This gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the institute’s achievements, and exchange ideas about its evolving role in the future of science and technology.
Wim Noorduin about taking to market his research invention
On Monday 4 November, AMOLF researcher Wim Noorduin participated in the NWO debate “Science Works! The future of research and innovation in the Netherlands” in Nieuwspoort, The Hague.