Research subfield Physics of life processes (FL)

Only relatively recently it has become possible to directly visualize, control and measure the interaction between complex biological molecules in isolation and inside cells. This lead to this new area of research, novel biophysical and biological insights, and extraordinary experimental and theoretical challenges.

Physics of life processes in the Netherlands
Since 2000 FOM decided to pay particular attention to the Physics of life research field. A vibrant research community and world-leading groups have been set up. The field focuses on topics that are suited for a physics-based bottom-up approach, which have explicit links to biology and medicine, and aim at the scale of molecules up to the scale of cells. The research addresses fundamental biological questions, and inspires the development and application of experimental tools and theory in order to generate novel insights into biology.

Research themes
Molecular-scale research

Dynamics of biomolecules and their interactions
Biomolecular assembly
Biomolecular networks

Cellular-scale research

Cellular mechanosensing and transduction
Multi-stable states and dynamics of cells
Developmental biology

Advisory committee Physics of life processes
For the subarea Physics of life processes an advisory committee has been appointed that provides the Executive Board with solicited and unsolicited advice about proposals for new FOM programmes. The committee also helps to monitor the progress of current FOM programmes.

The Physics of life processes advisory committee members are:
- Prof.dr. C. Wyman (chair, EUR)
- Prof.dr. P.G. Bolhuis (UvA)
- Prof.dr. M.M.A.E. Claessens (UT)
- Prof.dr. R.J. Hamer (Unilever)
- Prof.dr. C. Hoogenraad (UU)
- Dr.ir. S.J.T. van Noort (LEI)
- Prof.dr.ir. E.J.G. Peterman (VU)
- Dr. C. Storm (TU/e)
- Prof.dr.ir. S.J. Tans (AMOLF)
secretary: Dr.ir. D.M. Kool

The following research programmes fall under this subarea.