Approaching De-Novo Life
This project aims to create, for the first time, a minimal form of life from synthetic molecules, addressing fundamental questions such as 'What is life and how did it begin?' By integrating five fundamental features of life—replication, metabolism, compartmentalization, out-of-equilibrium maintenance, and Darwinian evolution—this initiative aims to develop a synthetic system that mimics the behavior of living cells. The studies unite experts in chemistry, microfluidics, mass spectrometry, computer simulations, and early evolution theory to uncover the fundamental principles for new fundamental insights in the origins of life, offering profound insights into what it means to be alive. The project leader is prof. dr. S. Otto from University of Groningen, the co-applicants are prof. dr. S.J. Marrink, prof. dr. A.M. Rijs, dr. E. Spruijt and prof. dr. E.M.J. Verpoorte.
Soft Interfaces group
Spruijt is leading the Soft Interfaces group, part of IMM. They aim to understand how living cells organize their contents and reactions. We are making synthetic cells and tissues that capture key physical characteristics of cells, such as self-sustained growth, division, adaptation, sensing and communication. The group is part of the Physical Organic Chemistry department, which focuses on the understanding on the origin of cells and the function of residual traces of such these protocells and consequently how life works.
Open Competition Science - XL
The Domain Science (ENW)-XL grants are intended for consortia in which research groups use collaboration (coordinated consolidation of strengths and areas of expertise) to create added value compared to individual projects, such as for example ENW-M grants.
We warmly congratulate Evan and the team!