Profile of the supervisor
Prof. Dr. Nathalie Katsonis is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Groningen, where she explores the molecular origins of movement in systems of interacting molecules. She has led the charge in pushing the boundaries of artificial molecular machines, paving the way for their implementation in bio-inspired and smart materials.
Katsonis has also pioneered motile behavior in protocells and artificial cells. In recognition of the innovative nature of her ideas, she received an NWO-VICI research grant (2024) to explore how the motile behavior of droplets in the late Hadean ocean could have facilitated nutrient encapsulation, stable protocell formation, and the replication of proto-RNA. With EVOLVE, she aims to take this research a step further, proving that transiently formed oil droplets would have broadened the breadth of plausible prebiotic chemistries.
Her research is internationally recognized, as evidenced by the competitive funding she has received (ERC Starting/Consolidator, NWO Veni/Vidi/Vici), invitations to speak at conferences worldwide, and prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society (2017) and the Sauvage-Stoddart-Feringa Prize for molecular machines (2024).
Expertise
Protocells, Artificial Molecular Machines, Photochromic Switches, Motion, Hadean Ocean, Abiogenic Oils, Prebiotic chemistry.
Profile of the research group
The Active Molecular Systems research group is dedicated to uncovering the fundamental physical and chemical principles that govern how molecules interact, in both space and time, to create useful functions, with a particular emphasis on purposeful motion.
Consistently composed of 5-10 PhD students and postdocs from diverse backgrounds, the group currently represents nine nationalities. Our medium-sized team structure ensures strong cohesion and fosters synergy among members, despite the highly interdisciplinary nature of our work. Our research group is also diverse. This diversity is not only a cornerstone of our ambitious and multidisciplinary research programs but also shows the inspirational quality of our research directions and mentoring approach.
