Chemistry

Why Chemistry at VU University?

Chemistry at VU University in top 75 of Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
ARWU has been recognized as the precursor of global university rankings and the most trustworthy list. In this list, more then 1000 universities are ranked. VU Chemistry is ranked at 51-75.

The Master’s programme in Chemistry is a cutting-edge degree programme. These days, chemistry is no longer an isolated discipline: it forms the bridge between biology at one end of the spectrum (biomolecular chemistry) and physics and mathematics at the other (physical-theoretical chemistry). Traditionally, organic and analytical chemistry – synthesizing and measuring – lie at the heart of the discipline.

Current research topics

Sustainable Chemistry: A new world record!
Our organicchemists broke a 16-year-old world record. 8 simple building blocks were combined in a one-pot reaction to afford complex peptidic molecules, while only water was formed as a by-product. A beautiful example of a truly sustainable chemical reaction!

Molecular switches
Our theoretical chemists have provided a proof of principle for molecular switches, based on DNA base pairs. This work is based on state-of-the-art computer modeling as well as insight into how electrons move in these tiny switches. Potential applications range from chemical bonding theory via smart materials to biochemistry.

Experimenting at Laser Centre-VU
Ever wondered what happens when a molecule dissociates? Find the answer at LaserLab-VU, where laser research is brought together from disciplines in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Laboratory Astrophysics. The research ranges from fundamental laser development to sophisticated applications such as chemical analysis and reaction dynamics.

Designing fully automated methodologies
How do you determine low levels of bioactive proteins in complex biological samples? The Biomolecular Analysis and Spectroscopy research group designs fully automated methodologies that integrate the isolation of the target proteins, the inline digestion into smaller peptides and the high sensitivity analysis of the peptide mixture. Examples of such target proteins are drug-protein adducts, toxins or protein drugs. We use state-of the art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Further information

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