Contact and staff

Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

Introducing HIMS

Chemistry research at the University of Amsterdam has a long-standing tradition of focusing on relevance. To rise to important challenges from society - and to be a strong player in mayor research initiatives - researchers from different chemistry disciplines have combined forces within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS). We achieve great synergy if we can compute, understand, implement, demonstrate and validate molecular solutions to the important problems facing society today.

For more detailed information on HIMS please

HIMS highlights 2011

Noteworthy achievements and actitivities of the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences in the year 2011.

News

Detection of cancer cells using nanoparticles

In the framework of the China Exchange Program between the KNAW and its Chinese counterpart, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), a research proposal on the medical application of novel photonic nanomaterials has been granted (400.000 euro).

Vici grant of 1,5 million euro for Jos Oomens

The Netherlands Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded Jos Oomens of the FOM Institute for Plasma Physics Rijnhuizen a prestigious Vici grant. Oomens is a professor at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences.

Major NWO grant for researching paints used in fine arts

Within the framework of Science4Arts programme, The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has provided funding for the project titled ‘How paint changes: consequences for conservation, presentation and preservation of paintings from Van Eyck to Mondriaan'. The UvA (Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Science) will coordinate the research. NWO awarded a total of € 3.6 million to six different projects.

Bas de Bruin receives 1,5 million euro Vici grant

The Netherlands Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded HIMS researcher Bas de Bruin a prestigious Vici grant.

Strong role for HIMS in new Dutch research programme in Analytical Sciences

The Analytical Chemistry Group of the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) takes the lead in two of nine research projects within the framework of the so-called Technology Area Comprehensive Analytical Sciences and Technology (TA-COAST).

Focus on research: Chemist Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt

If it were up to chemist Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt, the field of catalysis will change dramatically in the near future. It will become cleaner, cheaper, smarter, and more effective. Inspired by nature.

Dr E.J. Meijer

Dr E.J. Meijer has been appointed Professor of Molecular Simulations at the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

HIMS Annual Report 2010

Just recently the HIMS Annual Report 2010 was published. 2010 turned out to be quite eventful for the Institute. Relocation to the Science Park Amsterdam was a major milestone, as was the review of the HIMS research program by a panel of international experts. Shortly thereafter the directorship of HIMS changed. Even with all these changes HIMS staff was able to make the year 2010 a scientific succes.

UvA opens Amsterdam Centre for Forensic Studies

A symposium marked the opening of the Amsterdam Centre for Forensic Studies (ACFS) on Wednesday, 14 December 2011. This new centre brings together the knowledge and expertise of scientists from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), the Amsterdam Medical Center (AMC) and the Faculty of Science (FNWI) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Peter Schoenmakers receives NWO forensics grant

HIMS Professor Peter Schoenmakers receives a grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research’s (NWO) Forensic Science programme, for his research into chemical profiling of complex natural materials.

FOM 'Projectruimte' grant for three FNWI scientists

The executive board of the Foundation for Fundamental Research of Matter (FOM) has awarded 'Projectruimte' grants to three FNWI researchers: prof. Paul de Jong (IoP), prof. Peter Bolhuis (HIMS) and dr. Peter Schall (IoP).

UvA chemists take major step forward in search for selective catalysts

The research group of Joost Reek, Professor of Supramolecular Catalysis at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), have taken a major step forward in the search for selective catalysts for processes in the fine chemicals industry. The research results will be published this month in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

HIMS chemists succeed in antagonistic catalysis

Dr. Raveendran Shiju and prof. dr. Gadi Rothenberg, both from the heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable chemistry group at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), have synthesized a robust solid catalyst that combines two antagonistic functions: acid and base. Their new family of materials can catalyse one-pot tandem reactions. The results have been published in the top-tier journal Angewandte Chemie.

Gadi Rothenberg in popular science radioshow

HIMS researcher Gadi Rothenberg of the Heterogeneous Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry group was interviewed on the popular science radioshow 'Hoe?Zo!' yesterday. Rothenberg threw light upon the recent group development of a new class of biodegradable, renewable and non-toxic plastic resins from biomass.

UvA once again top Dutch university in QS World University Rankings

For the second year running, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) has been named the top Dutch university in the QS World University Rankings 2011, which were published on Monday, 5 September.

Water molecules on the surface move surprisingly fast

Water molecules at the surface of a water mass rotate far faster than the water molecules within it. This was shown by means of femtosecond vibrational spectroscopy and molecular simulation, in a research project of the FOM Institute AMOLF to which HIMS researchers Ana Célia Vila Verde and Peter Bolhuis contributed.

ERC Starting Grant for Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt

Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt of the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. He receives 1.5 million euro for his research program 'Smart Systems for Small Molecule Activation and Sustainable Homogeneous Catalysis'.