Prof. Oscar Kuipers to receive the ‘Simon Stevin Master’ award

Professor of Molecular Genetics Oscar Kuipers has been awarded the title of ‘Simon Stevin Master 2011’ by the Technical Sciences Foundation (STW). Kuipers will receive a grant of  EUR 500,000 to spend on research as he sees fit.

Kuipers has regularly combined fundamental research and practical applications during his career. He has made no less than twelve patent applications.

Cell Differentiation

Kuipers’ research group studies bacterial genetics and physiology. The research is focused on cell differentiation in bacteria. Bacteria growing in a culture can develop different characteristics, while their genome remains unchanged. Kuipers: ‘Our research has many applications, for example the improvement of protein production in industrial fermentation.’

Modified Peptides

One of the group’s other focuses is the modification of peptides. Peptides are produced by bacteria and can be used to create antibiotics. Modified peptides are chemically more stable and retain their function longer, making them more suitable for medical applications.

Most Important Prize

The Simon Stevin Master award is the most important prize for technical-scientific research in the Netherlands and honours researchers who have successfully combined excellent fundamental scientific work with socially relevant issues and applications.

Alongside Kuipers, the nano-scientist Prof. Dave Blank of the University of Twente was also awarded the Simon Stevin Master. The awards will be presented on 6 October during STW’s festive 30th anniversary celebrations.

For more information: Prof. Oscar Kuipers