News

Science by the Sea – Sharing Research Beyond the Lab

Taking part in Wetenschap aan Zee 2025 was a wonderful opportunity to bring our research out of the lab and into the public sphere. I had the pleasure — and the challenge — of presenting our work on nanotechnology and mini-tumors to a general audience, entirely in Dutch. Many thanks to the organizers, and in particular to Prof. Steven De Feyter, for the invitation. It was equally inspiring to share the stage with Prof. Maarten Roeffaers, whose talk on detecting microplastics with light offered a fascinating look at science in action. Events like this remind us of the value of science outreach — sparking curiosity, encouraging dialogue, and making complex ideas accessible to everyone.

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Full Circle in Leuven: Two Generations of Global PhD Students Together

A rare gathering in Leuven…
For the first time, we brought together both generations of PhD students from our Global PhD partnership between KU Leuven and University of Melbourne:

  • Maria Bravo & Samantha Zaman, now wrapping up their PhDs on nanoparticles for light-mediated cancer therapy
  • Yana Heyvaert & Naomi Suniva Ariki Duggan, just starting their journey on nano-enhanced hydrogels to study mechanotransduction

    This collaboration started over five years ago as a shared vision between Prof. Hiroshi Ujii, Prof. Johan Hofkens, Dr. Beatrice Fortuni, Prof. Paul Mulvaney, Dr. James Hutchison, and myself. It grew out of longstanding scientific connections — including James’ postdoc in Leuven during my own PhD — and evolved into two successful Global PhD Partnership projects.
    Last Thursday, the stars aligned: two PhD pairs (finishing & starting) and both main promotors (James and myself) in one room. A rare milestone — and one that made us feel proud and excited for what’s ahead.

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Tumor Biology Shapes Nanoparticle Fate – Our Latest Publication

What if tweaking nanoparticles isn’t enough to improve nanomedicine? 🧐 In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave. Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯 Big shoutout to Maria Bravo, Guillermo Solís, Beatrice Fortuni and all co-authors for pushing this forward! 🔎 Curious? Check it out here.

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When TFM Meets Tension Sensors – New Publication Out

How do cells translate molecular forces into mechanical actions? 🧬🔬💪
Our new research combines Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) with FRET-based tension sensors to uncover how focal adhesions manage vinculin tension and cellular traction. Our findings highlight the dynamic interplay between molecular-scale tension and large-scale cellular mechanics.
Check it out here.

Massive thanks to Samet Aytekin for driving this work, with key contributions from Laurens Kimps and Prof. Hans van Oosterwyck!

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Lab life = science, fun, and cake! 🎂🥳

Nina Anseeuw outdid herself with this lab-logo masterpiece for her birthday.

Starting 2025 on a sweet note with science and great vibes!
Here’s to more good times (and good science)! 🔬✨

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Rocha Lab was well represented at MAF 2024 in Valência

While I was not able to attend, Rocha Lab was present at the MAF 2024 in Valência.Guillermo and Samantha were selected for oral talks, Sarah, Sandra and Maria presented their latest results, and Steven return to Leuven with a Best Poster prize award 👏👏👏
#ProudPI

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Congratulations to our SR expert: Dr. Charlotte Cresens!

🎉 Huge congratulations to Charlotte Cresens for very successfully defending her PhD 🎓 I am incredibly proud of seeing Charlotte achieve this incredible milestone, though it’s bittersweet knowing she won’t be in our lab anymore. 🥹
But, as she embarks on her next journey as a super-resolution microscopy expert at the VIB imaging core in Leuven, I’m certain our paths will cross again. 🥳 Best of luck, Charlotte, in your future career — you will do amazing things!

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Nanoparticle-mediated thermal Cancer therapies: a review

Light therapy + nanoparticles = a powerful cancer-fighting duo!
Do you want to know more? Read our latest review on current advancements!
A nice collaboration between KU Leuven and University of Melbourne, with Maria Bravo, Beatrice Fortuni and James Hutchison taking the lead!

The full publication can be found in the journal.

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Indra received FWO funding!

We are thrilled to announce that Indra Van Zundert has been awarded a prestigious post-doctoral fellowship from FWO! 🎉 She will be joining our team in October, using 3D cell models to develop DNA origamis for gene therapy. 🧬 Can’t wait to have you with us at KU Leuven!

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Global PhD program with Melbourne University: take 2

Following the successful duo Maria and Samantha, we are super excited to be awarded a second Global PhD Partnership. We will develop methods to probe and control the mechanical properties of synthetic ECM, at the subcellular scale.
It is was very special to develop projects with the other side of the world…

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Celebrating the Women in Chemistry with IUPAC

Super proud to share the success of the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast held at KU Leuven! With the support of the Chemistry department, we hosted over 60 enthusiastic participants. A big shoutout to our speakers for their openness during the Q&A session👩‍🔬 #WomeninSTEM

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All you need to know about PIC - our review is out!

Johannes included on his PhD thesis a chapter on ‘all you need to know about PIC’, so that the lab members joining after him could quickly gather the most important information. With additional support of Max (Khaizeng Liu) and Roel, we manage to publish this work. We believe the material community will greatly benefit from this review.
The full publication can be found in the journal.

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Let it snow, Let it snow 🎶


❄️ While red weather alerts sweep the nation, we’re brightening up the Chemistry department with Rocha Lab’s creative decorations!☃️ #TeamSpirit #LabLife

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Our FRET-expert has shown his worth: Congrats Dr.Coucke

Congratulations to Quinten for defending his PhD! 🎉🎓 There was fluorescence imaging, some curve fitting, strange equations but above all, a lot of fun! You leave a legacy behind: a new research line on FRET-based tension sensors and, more important, coffee mugs for the group 😉 Enjoy your return to the motherland of West Flanders and keep in touch!

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Visit of Hokkaido University to KU Leuven

Delighted to have hosted Hokkaido University’s scientific delegation at KULeuven for the Core-2-Core symposium yesterday! 🥳After 4 years due to COVID, it was fantastic to meet in person. Big thanks to our colleagues from Melbourne University for joining us online! 🌏

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Final symposium of SuperCol in TU Eindhoven

After 4 years of meetings, collaborations, scientific exchanges and a lot of fun, the SuperCol network reached its end… 😢 It was really a pleasure to work with this group of young scientists, and see them growing and become independent researchers.
I wish you all the best with your future careers!

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2nd edition of Feel the Force Summer School

The second edition of ‘Feel the Force’ summer school is a wrap! 🔬 Big shoutout to all the participants for their interest and ‘mechano-passion’. 🙌❣️ Huge thanks to the Rocha Lab & Co for their incredible support! 😊 Couldn’t be happier with this awesome team! 👏
A special thanks also to the amazing speakers who accepted to participate! Prof. Jelle Hendrix, Prof. Xevi Casadevall i Solvas, Dr. Eva Faurobert, Prof. Aurélie Carter, Prof. Bart Smeets, Prof. Paul Kouwer and Dr. Abdel Fattah.

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Two FWO post-doctoral grants for the Rocha Lab

Congratulations Boris and Guillermo! 👏 This amazing duo was able to secure two prestigious FWO grants. Super happy to be able to count on them to explore optical trapping and cancer metastasis - and ensure that parties will keep going 😉

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Johannes wins the Dr. title, we loose our manager…

Congratulations Johannes! For the PhD and for the amazing presentation you gave in Dutch!
We were left with mix feelings of being proud and happy for you, and a bit sadness for letting you go 'across the fence', to the industry. I am 100% sure you will succeed in whatever you set your mind into. You were without a doubt one of the most hard working students, even if the work was not always related to science ;)

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Forget breaking the resolution: (Dr.) Boris has broken the ice!

In cold Sweden, Prof. Theo Lasser has placed Boris in icy grounds …. But he resisted, kept his coolness and triumphed! Another dual PhD degree, just to show how much our students like paper work!
Congratulations for the heroic effort and resilience! It was a truly unique defence, followed by an amizing party. Both reflected your character very well: a brillant and warm person!

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After a lot of plane trips, Dr. Guillermo is in the house!

After countless trips from Leuven to Madrid, and a almost endless pile of paperwork, Guillermo has finally able to defend his PhD in September (or will it be in November?..)
The jury agree: your work would be worht of summa cum laude if KU Leuven woudl allow distinctions on the doctorate degree.
Anyway, congratulations (x2)! Thank you for being such a giving person, helping everybody, and setting the work ethics really high in the lab.

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One more Doctor in the lab: Congratulations Indra!

After 5 years of being around in the lab (PhD and master thesis), Indra sucessfully defended her PhD. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
Congratulations and thank you once again for starting 3D cell culture in the Rocha Lab.
We wish you all the luck on your next adventure!

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ExEpi: Expansion Microscopy for Epigenetics

In this article, Aline applied Expansion microscopy to investigate the co-localization between epigenetic readers and markers for hetero- and euchromatic.
Just out-of-the-press, to show that it is possible to publish your work even after finishing your PhD.
Congratulations Aline!

The full publication can be found in the journal or at Research gate.

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Nanocenter Image Contest - the winners!

The first edition of the Nanocenter Image Contest was a success!</b> With more than 40 participants, it was difficult for everyone to chose thier favorite...
Congratulations to the winners and let's see what the second edition will bring...

(and a special thanks to Rik Nuyts for the support on the organization)

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Two FWO postdoctoral fellowships for the group!

Congratulations Bea and Hongbo! Today we celebrate! Both Bea and Hongbo will receive a pretigious FWO fellowship to continue their work on nanoparticles and biomaterials. Three years of funding!
#HappyPI

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Visit of Kouwer’s group to Leuven

The visit of the group of Prof. Paul Kouwer was an amazing day, where we shared lots of science and ideas with . Thanks for visiting the chemistry department.
We are already looking forward to the next meeting!

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Dr. Aline Acke in the house!

Congratulations Dr. Aline Acke
! A PhD on ‘expanding the unexpandable’. A very nice presentation, wanted by all promotors and co-promotors… I wish you all the luck in your new adventures, both on your professional and personal live.

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One more turn around the sun…

Like this it is fun to get older!
A big ‘Thank you’ to the team for the presents, they were perfect!

P.S. Drinkable gifts did not survive long enough to be photographed…

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Dr. Vanheusden in the house! Congratulations Marisa

Congratulations Marisa! You made it! After 4 years of hard work, you reach the the light at the end of the tunnel...
. Next challenge: expanding your knowledge in the medical sciences. I am 100% sure you will continue to make significant contributions to the advance science.
I hope to see you around!

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Summer School: Feel the Force

Very proud of organzing this AMAZING summer school! The first time - and immediately a huge sucess. Three days of lectures, tutorials and workshops. Special thanks to Prof. Paul Kouwer, Prof. Jelle Hendrix and Dr. Mar Cóndor for their contribution.

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A nice application of our endoscopy approach

Congratulations Bea, Monica - and all the co-authors!
Endoscopy is a very challenging tehcnique but this publication demonstrates how powerfull it can be. Optimized nanowire-based endoscopy probes were used to monitor pH changes in living cells, in both the cytoplam and the nucleus.
The full publication can be found in the journal or at Research gate.

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Feel the force - summer school on FRET & TFM

We are organising a summer school to teach early stage researchers how to use fluorescence microscopy to investigate cellular forces. A mix of lectures, tutorials & hands-on workshops. Organised in collaboration with the group of Prof. Van Oosterwyck (KULeuven) and with the support of Arenberg Doctoral School and PicoQuant. Interested? Find out more here.

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Congratulations^2 to Danai: nice publication and PhD title

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Laskaratou! After successfully publishing a nice article in Nature Communications (see the publication here.), Danai successfully defended her PhD thesis. Luckly, the current regulations allowed a hybrid defence, and Danai could present her research to the jury members, friends and family. Her explanation of fluorescence, FRET and cell signalling in layman’s terms was superb!

Danai also wrote a nice ‘behind the paper’ contribution, which you can read here.

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New PhD student: Welcome Sam!

Sam has joined the group as a new PhD student. He will strengthen the FRET-based sensors team and has the ambitious plan of taking FRET-based force sensing to the third dimension, using 3D cell models and micro-fluidic platforms. More details on his project can be read here.

Welcome to the team Sam!

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Dr. Ricci in the house! Congratulations Monica

Congratulations Monica! It was not always an easy path, but you have reach the end (or should I stay a crossing?).
The hours of measuring, the days of sample preparation, the challenges of interdisciplinary research... A PhD defence and a paper accepted on the same day.
We wish you all the luck with your future endeavours!

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Collaborations with Melbourne University in Australia

We were awarded with a project within the “KU Leuven Global PhD Partnerships with Melbourne University” program. The project, entitled “Advanced cell models and multifunctional nanomaterials for light- mediated cancer therapies“ is a collaboration with the group of Prof. Paul Mulvaney and Dr. James Hutchison (a previous post-doctoral researcher of KU Leuven, an a friend).
The PhD position in Melbourne is already open, the position in KU Leuven will open in April/May.
More info? See the project description

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Review on nanoparticles & 3D cell models: Congratulations Indra!

We started writing the review before COVID arrived in Belgium, but it will always be remember like the review we wrote during the lockdown. The goal was to summarised all the information about using nanoparticles in 3D cell culture systems, and create a small guide for researchers with limited knowledge of biology.
I am really proud of this article! #girlPOWER

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3D SPT article online: Congratulations Boris!

It was a long road from ‘Let’s just publish how we do this’ to the final article. But it was worth it!
Congratulations Boris! Now that the method is published, it is time to move on and do some ‘real’ science!
(But first, some drinks!)

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Perspectives on Single Virus Imaging: Article online

Single molecule imaging has been crucial to unravel molecular mechanisms of several biological systems. In this perspective, we tried to summarise how imaging single virus particles has contributed to the understanding of the HIV viral cycle. It a pleasure to write this article with the Prof. Zeger Debyser, Prof. Johan Hofkens, Prof. Jelle Hendrix and Dr. Doortje Borrenberghs.

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New PhD student: Welcome Pierre!

Pierre is joining us as one of the two PhD students that will be working for the SuperCol project at KU Leuven. A highly interdisciplinary project, requiring very specific skills. Pierre, with his unique background, has impressed us since the first interview. Looking forward to get started!
Bienvenue Pierre!

(There is no ‘NanoGirls’ anymore, we are now a ‘NanoTeam’!)

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Team building activity: Trip to Lisbon

For years we have talk about doing a lab trip to Lisbon. This year, we the excuse of celebrating the start of the ‘Rocha Lab’, we finally did it! A lot of walking, eating, drinking, and above all, laughing. It is an amazing group of people. Ah yes, Lisbon is an amazing city also.

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Open PhD positions on SuperCol, an innovative training network (ITN)

The PhD is hosted by the Rocha lab at KU Leuven, which develops fluorescence microscopy tools and assays to address biologically relevant questions. The group works at the crossroad between biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. The main imaging modalities use are confocal, multi-photon, single molecule fluorescence (single particle tracking, super- resolution) and multi-plane wide field microscopy. In parallel, we work on the optimization of biomimetic matrices for 3D cell models and functionalization of nanoparticles.

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Visit to Technical University of Lisbon (IST)

It is strange to return to your university 15 years later to give a seminar and see some of your old professors in the room. Thank you Prof. Gaspar Martinho for the invitation. A day or very useful discussions and hopefully the first meeting of a long standing collaboration on bio-applications of nanoparticles. The work done by Prof. Carlos Baleizão and Prof. Paulo Farinha on tailored design of nanoparticles is amazing! Looking forward to get our hand in those particles!

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EMBO fellowship for Dr. Roel Hammink

EMBO will support the visit of Dr. Hammink to our laboratory. While he is also working with synthetic polymers, he uses this system to activate T-cells. Very interesting work from the group of Prof. Carl Figdor (Radboud University, Nijmegen).
We will use our cutting-edge microscopy techniques to characterise the interaction between polymers and immune cells. I am confident that his visit will result in top science.

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PhD grant for Johannes (finally!)

After some attempts, Johannes was able to convince the FWO expert panel of his project (and his personal abilities as a scientist). Congratulations Mr. FWO_aspirant!
A good example where hard work and persistence paid off. (and now still 4 more years ahead!)

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First team building of Rocha’s group & Co.

We decided to celebrate the start of Rocha’s lab with a nice team building day. After a tiring and exciting GPS game of cops and thieves (some better than others), we made peace during dinner. Congratulations to Boris, Laurens and Elizabete for their win (but next time we will catch you!)

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Visit to Nijmegen, Kouwer’s group

The Marie-Curie project of Dr. Hongbo Yuan starts with a visit to his former lab, Kouwer’s group at the Radboud University in Nijmegen.
A collaboration that started 2 years ago, with the visit of Prof. Rocha. After that, Khaizheng Liu (Max) visited our lab, Johannes Vandaele visited Nijmegen, Dr. Hongbo Yuan got a competitive Marie-Curie fellowship and soon Dr. Röel Hammink will come for a short stay.
A good example how collaboration between group with different background can drive science forward.

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And the poster award goes to…

Today we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Prof. Frans De Schryver.
During the symposium in honour of Prof. Frans De Schryver, there were 8 poster awards.
Congratulations Johannes, Monica, Beatrice and Marisa! 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

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Let there be light: Symposium in honour of Prof. Frans De Schryver

Today we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Prof. Frans De Schryver.
The list of speakers included Ben Feringa, Tanja Weil, Roeland Nolte, Klaus Müllen, Jürgen Rabe, Hiroshi Masuhara, Thomas Ebbesen, Loredana Latterini, Paolo Samori, Markus Zauer and Hua Zhang.
A day full of interesting talks, with the additional pleasure of reviewing old colleagues.

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Leuven-Hokkaido collaboration: kickoff meeting

Today was a day of many fruitful discussions with visitors from Hokkaido University.
I had the opportunity to give a talk presenting our research, while Johannes and Quinten could present their progress during the poster session.
We have found some common interests in fluorescence-based sensors, drug nano delivery systems and extracellular matrix. Next meeting in Japan - already looking forward!

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Visit to the Technical University of Lisbon

Thanks to Dr. Nuno Canha, I could present my research to colleagues from my home country, including some good friends.
It was a short visit, but a memorable one.
The quality of the science being done in countries with very limited resources will always amaze me. For good science, you need a good brain, with a substantial amount of creativity.

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Lab caps arrived!

We could have ordered pens or mugs but… the amount of sun in Belgium requires protection!
An item to give to current and future lab members.
(now we have to wait for the end of the summer to join the team for a group picture)

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Marie Curie Individual Fellowship for Dr. Hongbo Yuan

Congratulations Hongbo!
Dr. Hongbo Yuan will be joining us after the summer, to investigate forces from the cell or the ECM change the mechanical properties of the matrix and, more importantly, how this change affects biological functions. We are really looking forward to work with you on this.

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Best wishes for 2019

After an unforgettable Xmas party, a few days to (try to) finish up things and we are off to a well deserved Xmas break! 2019 might bring big changes - let’s hope they are all for the better!
And if not, let’s just continue the spirit and do great science!


Happy new year!

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Madrid here I come!

Colaboration Leuven - Madrid keeps increasing!
Thanks to EMBO I will be able to join Guillermo Solis and Dr. Rodrigo Barderas at the Instituto Salud D.Carlos III in Madrid. I am really looking forward to meet the Barderas’ group and get this project going!

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Mapping Interactions at the Nanoscale: Article online

Congragulations Herlinde! I am very proud of this one. After all the struggle with the cloning, and all the re-writing to make the best story possible, 2 years after the PhD - it is out! With the final contribution of Dr. Rafael Camacho and his nice simulations. The full article can be found here.
The software to run the simulations can be found here.

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FWO grant for Indra & Boris

Congragulations Indra & Boris! Awarded FWO doctoral grant. It is going to be 4 years of fun with Nanoparticles & Polymers!
(Unfortunately, I do not have such a pretty foto of Boris…)

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Conversion of Alexa Fluor 647: Article online

Congragulations Lieve & Koen!
After some time, this story is (finally) out. A nice collaboration between virology, microscopy and photophysics experts, reporting a phenomena that will give a lot to talk about… The full article can be found here.

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EMBO travel grant awarded

Congragulations Max! Finally some good news from the EMBO organization: Max received the EMBO travel grant for the 3-month stay in Leuven. He will be working on imaging focal adhesions in 3D (more information on this project can be found here)

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Correlative AFM / Fluorescence: Article online

Congragulations Wout & Willem! Nice article reporting new development in correlative AFM and Fluorescence imaging, and its application to study the interaction between DNA and DNA-interacting proteins. The full article can be found here.

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Site is online!

A website to share the cool science we do at KU Leuven.

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