Cellular glycosylation
Büll has developed a new method to produce and study mucins—proteins covered in glycans, complex sugars that protect organs like the intestine and interact with the bacteria in our intestines. His research revealed that immune cells recognize specific glycan patterns, helping us understand how these sugars communicate with our immune system and influence our health. This discovery could lead to new therapies that work with intestinal bacteria and the immune system to improve health. “I am very honored by this prize, and it will boost my research into glycans,” Büll says.
Christian Büll works in the Biomolecular Chemistry department. The group is part of IMM and studies the molecular basis of autoimmune diseases. The research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress and the regulation of glycosylation in the context of inflammation and autoimmunity.
Control of collisions
Karman's research has enabled control over collisions between ultracold molecules, which led to the first quantum gases of molecules. He focuses on unraveling the complex interactions between these molecules and developing methods to control their behavior, a crucial step toward practical applications in quantum technologies. “I am very happy to be recognized with this award, and excited about the new opportunities it brings”, Karman says.
Tijs Karman works in the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry department. The group is part of IMM and aims to explain and predict properties of molecules, clusters, and molecular solids.
Early Career Award
The KNAW Academy is the forum, the voice and the conscience of science in the Netherlands. The Academy promotes, supports and recognises excellent science and interprets the results of research for the benefit of society. The KNAW has established the KNAW Early Career Award in 2019 to recognize talented researchers at the beginning of their careers who are considered capable of (further) developing innovative and original research ideas. Up to twelve awards are presented annually, three in each of the four KNAW domains (Humanities; Behavioral, Social and Legal Sciences; Natural and Technical Sciences; Medical, Medical-Biological and Health Sciences).
The award consists of a cash prize of 15,000 Euro, to be spent on the development of the research career and designed art prize.
More information
Press release KNAW https://www.knaw.nl/nieuws/twaalf-veelbelovende-onderzoekers-ontvangen-de-knaw-early-career-award-2024