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.

“2025 really was an ‘oogstjaar,’ a year of results,” says former AMOLF director Huib Bakker in the publication. “We saw many publications, a record number of PhD defenses, and major projects delivering impact.”

Among the highlights featured in Lab Stories are:

A light sensor that processes information, inspired by the human brain
A Nature publication revealing how underground fungal networks transport and store CO₂
A new Hybrid Heart that combines soft robotics with advanced biomaterials to mimic the body’s natural rhythm

The publication also showcases the crucial role of AMOLF’s technical departments in enabling cutting-edge science. Institute Manager Paula van Tijn says: “Researchers and technical staff work hand in hand to develop the custom equipment and infrastructure that drive our science.”

Several stories illustrate how curiosity-driven physics can lead to broader societal impact. Sustainable Energy Materials Research Department Leader Esther Alarcón Lladó notes: “The beauty of this field is that deep scientific curiosity directly leads to real-world impact.”

The publication further reflects on the importance of collaboration and adaptability in a rapidly changing scientific landscape. AMOLF director Bruno Ehrler says: “It’s about strengthening connections, with partners outside AMOLF, and also internally. Everyone who contributes should feel part of what we achieve together: scientists, technicians, and support staff.”

Lab Stories is intended for anyone interested in AMOLF, including researchers, potential collaborators in academia and industry, policymakers, prospective employees, and anyone curious about developments in science and technology.

This is the first edition of an annual publication that offers a selection of activities and achievements emerging from the research labs at AMOLF. From scientific publications to new technical facilities and developments in our research programs, Lab Stories highlights milestones that reflect the diversity and impact of our work and people. It also presents key facts and figures about our institute.

This publication is intended for anyone interested in AMOLF – as a potential research partner in academia, government, or industry, as a prospective employer, or simply out of curiosity about science.

Read Lab Stories – AMOLF in 2025 highlights

View the digitally accessible version of Lab Stories – AMOLF in 2025 highlights.

What's happening

Most recent news items

All news items

People and recognition

Four PhD candidates close their AMOLF chapter

Four PhD students defended their thesis and are about to take the next steps in their career. Congratulations to Colin Meulblok (Mechanical Metamaterials), Francesca Scalerandi (Hybrid Nanosystems), Vashist Gangigude Ramesh (Interacting Photons), and Parisa Omidvar (Hypersmart Matter). We wish you all the best in your next steps!

Read news item

People and recognition

Joining forces to study perovskite interfaces

AMOLF group leaders Professor Wiebke Albrecht and Professor Bruno Ehrler have received an NWO ENW-M2 grant for their joint research project, The Dynamic Atomic Interface between Halide Perovskites and Metals. The insights gained will pave the way for sustainable, high-performance solar energy and information technology. Wiebke and Bruno will each hire a PhD student for this project. The grant amounts to €800.000.

Read news item

People and recognition

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.

Read news item

Research highlights

Natural phenomena ‘hyperuniform disorder’ enables highly efficient, thin silicon solar cells

Silicon solar panels are rigid and heavy, and many rooftops cannot support them. This creates a need for thin, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into building materials. However, making silicon solar cells thinner makes it harder to trap light inside the material. Researchers in the 3D Photovoltaics group found a fascinating way to overcome this challenge using a phenomenon called hyperuniform disorder. They publish their findings in the journal ACS Photonics.

The researchers were able to make highly efficient silicon solar cell materials that are 30 times thinner than conventional ones. They managed to do this by integrating a layer of nanometer sized structures on top of the material. Up close, this pattern looks random, but it is remarkably when you step back: no clumps, no gaps, and no repeating pattern. This is called hyperuniform disorder (or HUD).

Read news item