Hubrecht Institute

Veni for Axel Rosendahl Huber! Axel, who is a postdoc in the Clevers group, receives a Veni grant from the NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) Talent Programme, aimed at researchers who have recently completed their PhD. With this personal research grant, Axel will study whether toxins from gut bacteria can cause DNA-mutations in colon cells. Various microbes produce DNA-binding toxins (naturally occurring toxic substances) that may cause harmful mutations in DNA. In Axel Rosendahl Huber’s research, intestinal organoids are exposed to these toxins to determine whether they can cause permanent DNA mutations. If they do, the researchers will investigate how these mutations can be identified by their distinctive “fingerprint” in the DNA. These fingerprints will then be used to determine whether mutations caused by microbial toxins are present in the DNA of healthy intestinal cells and colorectal cancer cells. If so, this would suggest that such microbial toxins may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. This research will provide insight into risk factors for colorectal cancer and may help identify new opportunities for prevention.

Group leader Miguel Leung explained his research on sperm and egg cells for the University of the Netherlands. Watch it below! Version with English subtitles available here: https://lnkd.in/e7MZVAke

Are you excited to redefine our understanding of molecules, cells, tissues and organisms? Then we are looking for you! Launched last year, the Hubrecht International PhD program (HIPP) aims to recruit outstanding students to the Hubrecht Institute, where they will train under leading scientists to become world-class researchers in molecular and developmental biology. Research at the Hubrecht Institute covers a wide range of themes including: • Molecular and cellular biology • Physical and mathematical biology • Biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology and protein design • Developmental biology and regeneration Applications are now open and will be accepted until September 15th! What can you expect? ➡️ Training from internationally recognized leaders in the Life Sciences ➡️ Access to cutting-edge technologies ➡️ A collaborative, interdisciplinary and scientifically stimulating environment ➡️ A fully funded, four-year PhD position with a globally competitive salary ➡️ Support for obtaining necessary permits or visas ➡️ Financial support to attend international conferences ➡️ Access to courses, workshops and opportunities for networking and public engagement More information about the program and application process can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eDWVhW2J.

Group leader Ina Sonnen will present the Hubrecht International PhD Program (HIPP) at the Doctoral Insights Symposium on September 10! Register now for this free online symposium, where you will learn all about pursuing a PhD in the life sciences.

Are you a highly motivated student with a migration background, starting the 3rd year of your life sciences BSc after summer? Then the Hubrecht Talent Program (HTP) is for you! The HTP aims to support underrepresented groups of students within the Netherlands in pursuing a career in scientific research. Applications are open and will be accepted until September 14th! Read more about the program, application process and eligibility criteria on our website: https://lnkd.in/e7_HjwTX

Today is Be Open about Animal Research Day #BOARD26. Researchers Geert Kops, our current director, and Hans Clevers, our former director, share their perspectives on research with and without animals, and on how these complementary approaches contribute to breakthroughs in biomedical research. Read the statements of more than 150 researchers via https://lnkd.in/eZGikPNz.

The Hubrecht Institute is part of Doctoral Insights this year and will present the Hubrecht International PhD Program (HIPP)! Register for the free online symposium on September 10, where you will learn all about pursuing a PhD in the life sciences.

English below Met veel plezier delen we de aftermovie van onze open dag, alweer bijna een maand geleden. We vierden ons 110-jarig bestaan met ongeveer 700 bezoekers van alle leeftijden: van enthousiaste wetenschappers in de dop tot mensen die hun leven lang willen blijven leren. Zij deden mee uiteenlopende activiteiten binnen en buiten het instituut, rond het thema 'Cellen onder de loep'. We hebben ervan genoten onze wetenschap te delen met zoveel geïnteresseerde bezoekers. Veel dank aan iedereen die heeft bijgedragen aan deze dag vol nieuwsgierigheid! Lees de volledige terugblik én de bekijk de volledige aftermovie op onze website. We are excited to share the aftermovie of our open day, almost a month ago already. We celebrated our 110th anniversary with around 700 visitors of all ages. They explored a wide range of activities both in- and outside the institute centered around the theme ‘Zooming in on Cells’. We enjoyed sharing our research with so many interested visitors. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this day filled with curiosity! Read the full recap of our open day and watch the entire aftermovie on our website. Video credit: Lester Kamstra

Today, Su Ji Han successfully defended her PhD thesis: ‘Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities in genetic cardiomyopathies’. In the heart, inherited mutations can cause diseases that change the function and structure of heart muscle. Su Ji investigated these conditions, called genetic cardiomyopathies. She identified disease mechanisms and promising new therapeutic strategies for arrhythmogenic and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Congratulations, Su Ji! Read more on our website:

We are very proud to announce that our group leader Puck Knipscheer has been elected to become an EMBO member!   An EMBO membership recognizes research excellence and exceptional achievements in the life sciences.   “I am truly honored to be elected as an EMBO Member,” says Puck. “I look forward to contributing to and being part of this amazing European scientific community.”   The Knipscheer lab uses biochemical approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms that safeguard genome integrity. Maintaining the integrity of our genome is crucial to prevent genetic diseases such as cancer. Their current research focuses on the pathways involved in DNA interstrand crosslink repair and on understanding how alternative DNA secondary structures are resolved during DNA replication. In addition, they are interested in elucidating how DNA lesions give rise to mutations, providing insight into the mechanisms that drive genome instability.   Puck Knipscheer is also professor by special appointment at the Leiden University Medical Center and Investigator at Oncode Institute.