Director Prof. Dorus Gadella and operational manager Dr. Mark Hink   

The Van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy at the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (LCAM-FNWI) is an expertise centre within SILS which advances research in which light microscopy plays a central role. Its staff provides professional support and coaching to research groups inside and outside SILS, using a comprehensive range of microscopes, image analysis tools and data storage facilities for quantitative molecular and cellular imaging, effectively translating biological questions into microscopical solutions. Most prominent activities within LCAM-FNWI are within the domain of functional imaging microscopy: FRET, FLIM, FC(C)S, PCH, FRAP and dynamic multiparameter imaging including super-resolution (STED), spinning disk, (spectral) confocal and multichannel widefield (ratio) imaging with the connected digital image processing and analysis. Alongside scientific collaborations with the LCAM-partners University Medical Centre Amsterdam (UMCA) and the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), LCAM-FNWI develops novel microscopic techniques essential for new biological research, often in close partnership with commercial companies. Furthermore, multiple (inter-)national microscopy courses at various levels are being organised on an annual basis including microscope training sessions for local SILS employees and students (www.microscopycourse.nl).  

Dr. Timo Breit

The Dutch Genomics Service & Support Provider or MAD (previously known as MicroArray Department) is the UvA expertise centre for genomics and transcriptomics. It provides omics support to address life-science questions using DNA (genomics) and RNA (transcriptomics) analysis, combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) with advanced statistics, systems biology, high-performance computing (HPC) and research data management (RDM). As an underpinning technology platform, MAD supports whole-genome experimentation and multilevel biological reasoning for researchers at SILS and collaborating institutes. Founded in 1999, MAD has built extensive instrumentation and know-how across these omics elements in close collaboration with SILS and external partners, giving SILS researchers a competitive edge. MAD expertise is also open for external collaborating partners and on a fee-for-service basis for clients. To maintain a strong link with research, MAD staff are part of the RNA Biology & Applied Bioinformatics group.

Dr. Gertjan Kramer

The Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules provides research support to Faculty of Science (FNWI) and external scientists who wish to apply advanced mass-spectrometry‑based omics (metabolomics, lipidomics, volatomics and proteomics) in their research. The core facility offers advice, training and guidance from project inception through sample preparation, measurements and data analysis. They use a suite of state-of-the-art LC- and GC-MS platforms to support a wide range of proteomics, targeted and untargeted metabolomics, lipidomics and volatomics analyses. In addition, users have access to specialised sample preparation, analytical chemistry, data analysis and archiving facilities, providing true end-to-end support throughout all phases of a project. The mass spectrometry research group develops novel methodology to use mass spectrometry in the life sciences. These innovations are rapidly implemented in the core facility, ensuring that state-of-the-art omics applications quickly find their way into the FNWI research ecosystem. This has led to many SILS mass spectrometry methodologies that have found international acclaim. 

Dr. Frans van der Kloet, Dr. Martijn Wehrens, Dr. Misha Paauw

The Biological Data Science Centre (bioDSC) at the UvA Science Park helps biologists and other life scientists with data analysis in the broadest sense. The bioDSC offers workshops, online tutorials and one-to-one support.  Core members are embedded in research groups at SILS. They collaborate with other researchers, promote good data analysis practices and share expertise. In addition to direct support, they offer a blog, in-depth tutorials (for example on RNA-seq) and an expanding range of workshops tailored to researchers’ needs. The bioDSC builds on the Science Park Study Group (launched in 2017), with the aim of strengthening a strong local community around coding and data science in the biological sciences.  

Dr. Jan Willem de Gee 

The Human CogNeuro Lab is a facility for education and research in human cognitive neuroscience. Equipped with electroencephalography (EEG), eye-tracking and a stereotactic TMS setup that can be used either conventionally or in combination with virtual reality, it allows combined measurements to study brain function and behaviour. The lab supports bachelor’s and master’s programmes such as Psychobiology, Biomedical Sciences and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, offering space for practicals, demonstrations and thesis projects covering the full empirical cycle. Led by Dr. Jan Willem de Gee and supported by a team of lecturers and assistants, it aims to strengthen students’ skills and satisfaction, encourage student-led publications, and build media visibility and collaborations across research institutes.