Bijvoet Center
The Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research at Utrecht University studies life at the smallest possible level, that of the individual molecules of which living organisms are built. We aim to discover the molecular basis of life and to understand how these molecules are related to health and disease. We are home to more than 150 researchers in over 8 different research groups, including around 50 PhD students who we train to be the biomolecular researchers of the future.
Research at the Bijvoet Center
The general theme of the research in the Bijvoet Center is elucidating how biomolecules function in the human body and in life in general and how the processes and interactions between biomolecules in living cells are affected in patients. To achieve that, our researchers study the relation between the structure and function of biomolecules, including proteins and lipids, which play a role in biological processes such as regulation, interaction and recognition.
Education
The Bijvoet Center provides multidisciplinary education and research training, bringing together aspects from chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and medicine. Training opportunities are offered locally as well as through our large international network. We offer educational programs for to BSc, MSc and PhD students who are interested to study life at the molecular level.
Facilities
The Bijvoet Center houses advanced technological infrastructures for the analysis of proteins and other biomolecules using NMR, X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. These methods enable us to study biological molecules, determine what they look like, identify molecules with which they interact and determine how these molecules are involved in disease or drug treatment.