Chair

Postdoctoral researcher at Wageningen University researching the fundamentals of gene expression and finding new ways to improve the heterologous expression of proteins. Also spends a lot of time making others excited for SynBio through science communication. Not only grows cells but also grows vegetables in her garden. She likes bouldering, cycling, making or enjoying art, and cooking and fermenting foods.

Secretary

PhD student at the University of Groningen enthusiastically working on building a synthetic cell. In his free time he enjoys reading books, watching Netflix and hanging out with friends. Frequently found in the kitchen trying out new recipes (unfortunately not always successful).

Vice-secretary

PhD student at Radboud University in Nijmegen working on the design of characterization of synthetic DNA networks in a cell-free environment. Likes to go out cycling and hiking. Further he can be found experimenting in the kitchen or reading a good book.

Treasurer

A molecular biotechnologist focused on microbial genome editing and biosafety engineering. Currently working at Wageningen University & Research as a postdoctoral researcher merging synthetic biology chassis, biomanufacturing and Safe-by-Design. Fascinated by nature, history and maps and passionate about books, TV shows, fitness and adventures with his friends.

Sponsorships and Partnerships Manager

Stationed at Wageningen University and Research, Carina works on the microfactories of the future by using CRISPR-Cas to alter the genetic blueprint of yeast. She loves to explore the dynamic interplay between social aspects and technological innovation.

Sponsorships and Partnerships Manager

Molecular bacteriologist with industrial experience in strain development. Currently a senior postdoc at the University of Groningen. She is working on engineering hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria for the production of milk proteins using solar energy and water-derived hydrogen. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, traveling, fitness, crafting (crochet, sewing, cross stitching), and spending time with her cats.

Communications and Outreach Manager

PhD candidate in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Groningen. In pursuit of happiness and novel compounds with antifungal activity. Passionate about science, music, travelling and reading.

Communications and Outreach Manager

A biochemist by training, Filipe is currently a PhD student at Leiden University. He is investigating the diverse chemical landscape within underexplored plant below-ground organs aiming to discover new chemistry with an emphasis on identifying bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic potential. Born in Portugal, he moved to the Netherlands in 2021 to pursue a master’s degree at Leiden University. Outside of academia, he finds joy in playing the piano, exploring new places while travelling, and spending time in nature.

Communications and Outreach Manager

Molecular biotechnologist and fermentation scientist, currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at TU Delft. Her research focuses on the development of a genetic toolkit to engineer non-conventional yeasts, aiming to expand our understanding and use of both well-known and lesser-known species. Originally from Italy, moved to the Netherlands in 2015, bringing her horse along for the adventure. In her free time, she enjoys spending long summer days outdoors and cultivates her creativity into illustration and painting during the winter.

Event Coordinator

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Molecular Microbiology department at the University of Groningen. Currently I work on archaeal viruses and their genetic regulation for the development of synthetic biology tools. I'm always up to talk about science and want to bring people in SynBio together. When I am not in the lab I enjoy Sci-Fi books/series and love good food (as well as making it).

Assistant Professor for Molecular Microbiology at the University of Groningen, engineering yeasts for health and bio-economic applications. Long-term iGEMer. Likes running, biking and thinking about science.

Assistant Professor Microbial Synthetic Metabolism at Wageningen University, interested in engineering and expanding one-carbon metabolism and improving protein production in bacteria for a more sustainable future

Assistant Professor in microalgae cell factory design at the Wageningen University, interested in the metabolic engineering of photosynthetic microorganisms for natural products.