Leiden Science
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Faculty of Science | University of Leiden | Discover our research, education & events | Meet the amazing people who work and study with us 🚀🔬📚
#Science #Biodiversity #Sustainability #AI #DrugDiscovery #DrugDevelopment #ComplexNetworks #Quantum #Space
#Science #Biodiversity #Sustainability #AI #DrugDiscovery #DrugDevelopment #ComplexNetworks #Quantum #Space
Quantum physics may sound abstract, but PhD candidates Kirsten Kanneworff and David Dechant show that quantum research can also be very concrete. Together, they are investigating how quantum technology can change the world.
Quantum research in two ways: from proving someone's location to simulating financial markets
Kirsten Kanneworff and David Dechant defend their PhD research on quantum physics at Leiden University. Fundamental work with applications in location verification and the financial world.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 17, 2026 at 7:52 AM
Quantum physics may sound abstract, but PhD candidates Kirsten Kanneworff and David Dechant show that quantum research can also be very concrete. Together, they are investigating how quantum technology can change the world.
How do you know if a drug will actually work? The Leiden-based spin-off Omivera is developing a new technology that could provide clearer answers. The young company received a seed investment from the investment fund UNIIQ to support its development.
Better understanding of cancer drugs – Leiden spin-off Omivera receives seed investment
How do you know if a drug will actually work? The Leiden-based spin-off Omivera is developing a new technology that could provide clearer answers. The young company received a seed investment from the...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 17, 2026 at 7:52 AM
How do you know if a drug will actually work? The Leiden-based spin-off Omivera is developing a new technology that could provide clearer answers. The young company received a seed investment from the investment fund UNIIQ to support its development.
Physicists in Leiden have built a microscope that can measure no fewer than four key properties of a material in a single scan, all with nanoscale precision. The instrument can even examine complete quantum chips, accelerating research and innovation in the field of quantum materials.
A new microscope for the quantum age: finally seeing how quantum materials behave
Physicists in Leiden have built a microscope that can measure no fewer than four key properties of a material in a single scan, all with nanoscale precision. The instrument can even examine complete q...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 12, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Physicists in Leiden have built a microscope that can measure no fewer than four key properties of a material in a single scan, all with nanoscale precision. The instrument can even examine complete quantum chips, accelerating research and innovation in the field of quantum materials.
Quantum software is essential to make quantum technology work. Research centers QuSoft and aQa work together at the forefront of the Netherlands’ quantum software efforts. With the launch of the Quantum Software Alliance (QSA), this collaboration now scales globally.
Global network puts spotlight on quantum software
Quantum software is essential to make quantum technology work. Research centers QuSoft and aQa work together at the forefront of the Netherlands’ quantum software efforts. With the launch of the Quant...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 12, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Quantum software is essential to make quantum technology work. Research centers QuSoft and aQa work together at the forefront of the Netherlands’ quantum software efforts. With the launch of the Quantum Software Alliance (QSA), this collaboration now scales globally.
Tuberculosis bacteria survive by hiding in our immune cells. In her PhD research, biologist Salomé Muñoz Sánchez explores how boosting the body’s own defenses might outsmart this deadly pathogen. Her work reveals two key proteins that help immune cells destroy the bacteria.
Turning the tables on tuberculosis: boosting our own immune forces
Tuberculosis bacteria survive by hiding in our immune cells. In her PhD research, biologist Salomé Muñoz Sánchez explores how boosting the body’s own defenses might outsmart this deadly pathogen. Her ...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Tuberculosis bacteria survive by hiding in our immune cells. In her PhD research, biologist Salomé Muñoz Sánchez explores how boosting the body’s own defenses might outsmart this deadly pathogen. Her work reveals two key proteins that help immune cells destroy the bacteria.
Scientists at Leiden University have now, for the first time, mapped the influence of imperfect platinum surfaces, providing a more accurate picture of these electrodes, with applications in hydrogen production and sensors.
A small step on platinum, a giant leap for electrochemistry: A more realistic picture of platinum electrodes
Current electrochemical theory does not adequately describe realistic platinum electrodes. Scientists at Leiden University have now, for the first time, mapped the influence of imperfect platinum surf...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:52 AM
Scientists at Leiden University have now, for the first time, mapped the influence of imperfect platinum surfaces, providing a more accurate picture of these electrodes, with applications in hydrogen production and sensors.
From researching plastic pollution to caring for injured wildlife, volunteers play a crucial role in conservation. But much of the valuable knowledge they gather remains unused, according to PhD candidate Liselotte Rambonnet.
Volunteers vital for protecting wildlife and tackling plastic pollution
From researching plastic pollution to caring for injured wildlife, volunteers play a crucial role in conservation. But much of the valuable knowledge they gather remains unused.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:50 AM
From researching plastic pollution to caring for injured wildlife, volunteers play a crucial role in conservation. But much of the valuable knowledge they gather remains unused, according to PhD candidate Liselotte Rambonnet.
‘By cleverly combining new techniques for analysing DNA at the level of individual molecules, we can achieve real breakthroughs in research into conditions such as dementia,’ predicts Professor John van Noort.
Examining DNA molecules one by one: how combining techniques can help us understand diseases such as dementia
‘By cleverly combining new techniques for analysing DNA at the level of individual molecules, we can achieve real breakthroughs in research into conditions such as dementia,’ predicts Professor John v...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:49 AM
‘By cleverly combining new techniques for analysing DNA at the level of individual molecules, we can achieve real breakthroughs in research into conditions such as dementia,’ predicts Professor John van Noort.
What do you do when a discovery in the lab shows real promise? Scientist Mirjam Huizenga founded a startup to develop a new treatment for nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. ‘The goal is to give patients a better option.’
From lab to startup: scientist develops new treatment for nerve pain
What do you do when a discovery in the lab shows real promise? Scientist Mirjam Huizenga founded a startup to develop a new treatment for nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. ‘The goal is to give patien...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:49 AM
What do you do when a discovery in the lab shows real promise? Scientist Mirjam Huizenga founded a startup to develop a new treatment for nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. ‘The goal is to give patients a better option.’
The British astronomer and mathematician Edmond Halley was not, after all, the first to understand the cycle of the comet that now bears his name. It was the monk Eilmer of Malmesbury who, as early as the 11th century, linked two observations of the comet.
Halley’s Comet wrongly named: 11th-century English monk predates British astronomer
The British astronomer and mathematician Edmond Halley was not, after all, the first to understand the cycle of the comet that now bears his name. This is shown by research conducted by, among others,...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:49 AM
The British astronomer and mathematician Edmond Halley was not, after all, the first to understand the cycle of the comet that now bears his name. It was the monk Eilmer of Malmesbury who, as early as the 11th century, linked two observations of the comet.
Quantum technology has the potential to transform society. But how can you effectively inform the public about such complex and enigmatic science and technology? PhD candidate Aletta Meinsma explored this.
Communicating about quantum: explanations improve understanding but reduce confidence
Quantum technology has the potential to transform society. But how can you effectively inform the public about such complex and enigmatic science and technology? PhD candidate Aletta Meinsma explored ...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
February 3, 2026 at 7:48 AM
Quantum technology has the potential to transform society. But how can you effectively inform the public about such complex and enigmatic science and technology? PhD candidate Aletta Meinsma explored this.
If Europeans eat less meat and dairy, this will have major consequences for farmers. New research shows that many barns and machines could lose their value. With the right policies, these losses can be limited. This is shown by research from Leiden, Oxford and Vienna.
Eating less meat? Good for the planet, a risk for farmers – unless we act wisely now
If Europeans eat less meat and dairy, this will have major consequences for farmers. New research shows that many barns and machines could lose their value. With the right policies, these losses can b...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
January 22, 2026 at 11:21 AM
If Europeans eat less meat and dairy, this will have major consequences for farmers. New research shows that many barns and machines could lose their value. With the right policies, these losses can be limited. This is shown by research from Leiden, Oxford and Vienna.
From flooding to heat stress or biodiversity loss: cities everywhere face challenges due to climate change. Arnold Tukker and Mingming Hu (CML) will look for solutions in the Dutch-Chinese ReSURE2 project that received 1.1M euro.
NWO and the National Science Foundation China award 1.1M euro to urban resilience research
Arnold Tukker and Mingming Hu (CML) will look for urban resilience solutions in the Dutch-Chinese ReSURE2 project that received 1.1M euro.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
January 22, 2026 at 11:20 AM
From flooding to heat stress or biodiversity loss: cities everywhere face challenges due to climate change. Arnold Tukker and Mingming Hu (CML) will look for solutions in the Dutch-Chinese ReSURE2 project that received 1.1M euro.
Lions in Kenya respond very differently to human land use, climate and conservation practices. concludes Leiden biologist Monica Chege. ‘Effective conservation only works when management is tailored to local conditions and developed with and around local communities.’
Lion conservation in Kenya: why one approach does not fit all
Lions in Kenya respond very differently to human land use, climate and conservation practices. That is the conclusion of thesis from Leiden biologist Monica Chege. A uniform approach is therefore insu...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
January 15, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Lions in Kenya respond very differently to human land use, climate and conservation practices. concludes Leiden biologist Monica Chege. ‘Effective conservation only works when management is tailored to local conditions and developed with and around local communities.’
Since 1 October, Sabina Chiță has been working as a coach for first-generation students in Physics. But who are first-generation students, and why might they need a coach? Six questions to Sabina Chiță.
How a coach helps first-generation students find their strength
Since 1 October, Sabina Chiță has been working as a coach for first-generation students in Physics. But who are first-generation students, and why might they need a coach? Six questions to Sabina Chiț...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
January 15, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Since 1 October, Sabina Chiță has been working as a coach for first-generation students in Physics. But who are first-generation students, and why might they need a coach? Six questions to Sabina Chiță.
From children’s birthday parties to international ambassadors, the Old Observatory attracts a wide range of visitors. Student coordinator Sanne van Beek connects visitors and students, ensuring everyone — from five to sixty-five — learns something about the stars.
The link between students and the stars: Sanne works at the Old Observatory
From children’s birthday parties to international ambassadors, the Old Observatory attracts a wide range of visitors. Student coordinator Sanne van Beek connects visitors and students, ensuring everyo...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
January 8, 2026 at 7:51 AM
From children’s birthday parties to international ambassadors, the Old Observatory attracts a wide range of visitors. Student coordinator Sanne van Beek connects visitors and students, ensuring everyone — from five to sixty-five — learns something about the stars.
PhD candidate Yuchen Lian (LIACS) wants to understand why human languages look the way they do – and find inspiration to improve AI along the way. She defended her thesis on 12 December.
Human language inspired AI – and now we can use that AI to learn about language
Yuchen Lian defended her thesis on AI and language evolution at Leiden University.
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 19, 2025 at 11:13 AM
PhD candidate Yuchen Lian (LIACS) wants to understand why human languages look the way they do – and find inspiration to improve AI along the way. She defended her thesis on 12 December.
Science journalist Anna Gimbrère and physicist Julia Cramer will open the Quantum Escape Room in Eindhoven on Wednesday, 17th of December. Researchers from Leiden worked closely with the designers to make sure the escape room is not only exciting, but also truly quantum.
Experience the future of technology: visit the Quantum Escape Room
Science journalist Anna Gimbrère and physicist Julia Cramer will open the Quantum Escape Room in Eindhoven on Wednesday, 17th of December. Researchers from Leiden worked closely with the designers to ...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 19, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Science journalist Anna Gimbrère and physicist Julia Cramer will open the Quantum Escape Room in Eindhoven on Wednesday, 17th of December. Researchers from Leiden worked closely with the designers to make sure the escape room is not only exciting, but also truly quantum.
An evolutionary 'trap' that has haunted crested and marbled newts for 25 million years: Leiden researchers have uncovered a mysterious DNA error that should not be able to arise – yet persists all the same. How is that possible? PhD candidate James France found new clues.
Triturus newts reveal a genetic balancing act
An evolutionary 'trap' that has haunted crested and marbled newts for 25 million years: Leiden researchers have uncovered a mysterious DNA error that should not be able to arise – yet persists all the...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
An evolutionary 'trap' that has haunted crested and marbled newts for 25 million years: Leiden researchers have uncovered a mysterious DNA error that should not be able to arise – yet persists all the same. How is that possible? PhD candidate James France found new clues.
Green cities and a well-protected food system: Roy Remme and Oliver Taherzadeh study ways to achieve these. But how can their scientific findings lead to societal change? They share their experiences with science-policy initiatives.
How science informs policy: ‘As a researcher, my work only becomes truly relevant once it is used in society’
Green cities and a well-protected food system: Roy Remme and Oliver Taherzadeh study ways to achieve these. But how can their scientific findings lead to societal change? They share their experiences ...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Green cities and a well-protected food system: Roy Remme and Oliver Taherzadeh study ways to achieve these. But how can their scientific findings lead to societal change? They share their experiences with science-policy initiatives.
Speculation about alien life, a new nitrogen map, AI as a thesis supervisor, groundbreaking telescopes and multi-million-euro investments to combat antimicrobial resistance – the diversity of these topics shows that our readers are just as broadly interested as our researchers.
Extraterrestrial life, AI and more: these are the most-read Leiden Science articles of 2025
Speculation about alien life, a new nitrogen map, AI as a thesis supervisor, groundbreaking telescopes and multi-million-euro investments to combat antimicrobial resistance – the diversity of these to...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Speculation about alien life, a new nitrogen map, AI as a thesis supervisor, groundbreaking telescopes and multi-million-euro investments to combat antimicrobial resistance – the diversity of these topics shows that our readers are just as broadly interested as our researchers.
How can we slow down atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes it may be possible by switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and strokes. She has been awarded the Established Investigator Dekker Grant from the Dutch Heart Foundation.
Over €900,000 awarded for new treatment against atherosclerosis
How can we slow down atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes it may be possible by switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and stroke...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 15, 2025 at 8:47 AM
How can we slow down atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes it may be possible by switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and strokes. She has been awarded the Established Investigator Dekker Grant from the Dutch Heart Foundation.
How do you combine the growth of wind energy with the protection of vulnerable seabirds? With her master’s thesis on this delicate balance, Sofie Hajer won the 2025 Unilever Research Prize. Her work provides new insights into how ecology and policy can strengthen each other.
Sofie Hajer wins prize for research on balancing wind energy and biodiversity
How do you combine the growth of wind energy with the protection of vulnerable seabirds? With her master’s thesis on this delicate balance, Sofie Hajer won the 2025 Unilever Research Prize. Her work p...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
December 5, 2025 at 7:29 AM
How do you combine the growth of wind energy with the protection of vulnerable seabirds? With her master’s thesis on this delicate balance, Sofie Hajer won the 2025 Unilever Research Prize. Her work provides new insights into how ecology and policy can strengthen each other.
🔬 Optical or electron microscopy… why not both?
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
December 4, 2025 at 1:51 PM
🔬 Optical or electron microscopy… why not both?
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Join the Tuesday Talk with Sense Jan van der Molen this Tuesday 9 December. More information and registration: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/20...
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the entire field.
Which algorithm solves which problem? Diederick Vermetten developed methods to find out
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the en...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 28, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Algorithms solve problems. But which algorithm is best suited to which problem? During his doctoral research, Diederick Vermetten developed methods to figure this out. And that is important for the entire field.