FMS Research Center

ERC Advanced Grants to FMS professors Jan van Hest (RU) and Ben Feringa (RUG)

Professors Jan van Hest (Radboud University) and Ben Feringa (University of Groningen) have been awarded each with an ERC Advanced Grant. Each of them will receive 2.5 million euros to conduct research the next five years.

Prof. van Hest performs research at the crossroad of organic chemistry and biology. He focuses primarily on the design and synthesis of materials and processes. Due to the advance of chemical and synthetic biology, scientists can now create the smallest unit of life: the cell. With his ERC Advanced Grant, Van Hest will use new techniques such as self-assembly and protein engineering to develop new artificial cells and cell components. Check here for more information.

Prof. Ben Feringa received his first ERC Advanced Grant (Molecular Motors) in 2008 and is now awarded a second one. In this second program the unique properties of unidirectional light driven molecular rotary motors will be built upon to achieve dynamic control of function and develop responsive systems with a particular focus on systems in water. Light-driven molecular rotary motors are distinct from the majority of molecular switches, as they allow sequential access to multiple functional states in a responsive system through non-invasive stimulation. Importantly, continuous irradiation induces continuous rotary motion which provides a unique opportunity to design dynamic systems and responsive materials that can be driven out-of-equilibrium. Check here for more information.