News & updates
Latest developments from our institute
Stay informed about new research results, awards, events, and collaborations across our scientific community.
Wim Noorduin and Arian van Asten presenting their scientific journey
On October 8, Professor Wim Noorduin and his collaborator Professor Arian van Asten (University of Amsterdam) presented their scientific journey in a video to the audience at the ‘Avond van Wetenschap en Maatschappij’. They did so alongside the other nominees for the Huibregtsen Prize.
Minister Rianne Letschert wears hat and shoulder ornament inspired by Wim Noorduin’s research
This year at the opening of the parliamentary year (Prinsjesdag) Minister of Education, Culture and Science Rianne Letschert wears a spectacular hat and shoulder ornament. Both of them are inspired by the microscopic structures studied by group leader Wim Noorduin (AMOLF/UvA), which look remarkably like tiny flowers under a microscope. Artist and designer Malou Beemer translated these shapes, normally invisible to the naked eye, into wearable art.
Huibregtsen prize nomination for lead detection method
AMOLF group leader Professor Wim Noorduin and his collaborator Professor Arian van Asten (UvA) have been nominated for the Huibregtsen Prize 2026. The winner will be announced at the annual event called ‘Avond van Wetenschap en Maatschappij’ (evening of science and society) on October 8, 2026. The prize recognizes scientists who combine scientific excellence and innovation with particular societal relevance or outreach.
‘Autonomy’ takes center stage at symposium
On June 11, researchers gathered at the Autonomous Matter Symposium to discuss the concept of autonomy from different perspectives. Professor Jay Groves (UC Berkeley) argued that autonomy may not begin with decision-making, but with amplification. Professor Elisabetta Chicca (University of Groningen) offered a complementary perspective from the field of neuromorphic engineering.
Four PhD candidates close their AMOLF chapter
A proud moment for our new doctors. Congratulations to Sjoerd van Dongen, Paul Ducarme, Max Betjes and Mees Dieperink.
Proof of Concept grant for Wim Noorduin and Marc Serra Garcia
The European Research Council (ERC) announced that AMOLF group leaders Wim Noorduin and Marc Serra Garcia have received an ERC Proof of Concept grant. Together with collaborators they will enable applications that address important societal challenges: the need for single-handed molecules for drug development and a simpler way to monitor damage in wind turbine blades.
Solving crimes with glowing evidence: a brand-new method to detect gunshot residue at the crime scene
Crime scene investigation may soon become significantly more accurate and efficient thanks to a new method for detecting gunshot residues. Researchers from the groups of Wim Noorduin (AMOLF/University of Amsterdam) and Arian van Asten (University of Amsterdam) developed the technique that converts lead particles found in gunshot residue into a light-emitting semiconductor. This method is faster, more sensitive, and easier to use than current alternatives. Forensic experts at the Amsterdam police force are already testing it in actual crime scene investigations. The researchers recently published their findings in Forensic Science International.
Three months – Three PhD celebrations
In the past three months, three AMOLF PhD students successfully defended their thesis at a Dutch university. Their names are Christiaan van Campenhout, Susan Rigter and Balázs Antalicz.