Amsterdam Chemistry Innovation Day 2025
On March 28, 2025, the brand-new building of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam served as the stage for the Amsterdam Chemistry Innovation Day (ACID). This latest edition welcomed over 400 students, researchers, and industry professionals from across the Netherlands,all brought together by a shared passion for advancing chemistry and life sciences.
The day offered a vibrant mix of expert lectures, engaging discussions, and a dynamic career fair, creating countless opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration. With its strong focuson connecting academia, industry, and government, ACID 2025 once again proved to be a driving force for innovation in these critical fields.
ACID Conference: Keynotes
The day commenced with an inspiring opening hosted by Frank Groenen (ChemistryNL), Iwande Esch (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), and James Douglas (AstraZeneca),setting the tone for a day of innovation and collaboration.
Frank Groenen opened Amsterdam Chemistry Innovation Day 2025, presenting a bold vision for the future of the Dutch chemical sector. He underscored the urgent need for sustainable innovation and emphasized the Netherlands' strategic role within Europe's chemical landscape. Groenen urged the industry to adopt circular business models, invest in clean technologies, and take the lead in driving the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
The stage was taken by Iwan de Esch, Head of Drug Design and Synthesis at VU Amsterdam (AIMMS). Dr. de Esch shared insights into the transformative role of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) as a strategic and cost-effective method for developing clinical drug candidates. Highlighting its growing use across industry, biotech, and academia, he shared the successful development of dual histamine H1/H4 ligands with potent anti-inflammatory activity—targeted at treating allergic conjunctivitis. His presentation demonstrated how academic research can play a vital role in advancing therapeutic innovation.
Concluding the opening session, James Douglas, Director of Global High-Throughput Experimentation at AstraZeneca, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the journey from drug discovery to large-scale manufacturing. Through real-world case studies, he illustrated how AstraZeneca tackles the complexities of scaling up synthetic molecules while integrating automation, data science, and sustainability. His talk shed light on the innovative strategies used to bring life-saving medicines to market efficiently and responsibly.
ACID Conference: Parallel Sessions
The “Making Hydrogen Matter” session at ACID 2025 explored how the region can lead Europe’s hydrogen transition. Moderated by Dr. Monalisa Goswami (TNO), the panel brought together Mark Hoolwerf (Portof Amsterdam), Bart van der Meer (EVOS), Prof. Chris Slootweg (University of Amsterdam), and Wilmar van Grondelle (City of Amsterdam). Hoolwerf highlighted the Port’s work on sustainable hydrogen supply chains and the need for industry collaboration. Van der Meer emphasized the potential of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) and cross-border infrastructure. Slootweg spoke about emerging innovations like white hydrogen and methane pyrolysis. Van Grondelle addressed the city’s role in policy, infrastructure, and public acceptance. The session laid the groundwork for the upcoming H2A Symposium on hydrogen imports, takingplace on June 19.
Chaired by Dr. JJ Garcia Vallejo (Amsterdam UMC), the session "Next-Gen Life Sciences" brought together three distinct presentations showcasing breakthrough technologies advancing the field of drug development. Prof. Sander Tans (AMOLF) opened with a demonstration of how artificial intelligence can uncover dynamic cellular behavior in organoids, offering new insights into complex biological systems. Dr. Andrea Bisso (Digi.Bio) followed with the introduction of a cutting-edge single-cell platform designed to enhance precision in immunotherapy. Finally, Gwenaëlle Rabussier (MIMETAS) presented how microfluidic technology enables high-throughput drug screening using physiologically relevant 3D tissue models. Together, these talks offered a compelling view of the next generation of tools shaping life sciences research.
The session "The Silent Invaders", co-chaired by Dr. Alina Astefanei (University of Amsterdam) and Poonam Dharman (Lipton), explored the invisible yet urgent challenge of microplastics and their impact on health and the environment. Through a series of expert presentations, the audience was guided through the latest advancements in microplastic detection, behavior, and risk assessment. Prof. Marja Lamoree (VU Amsterdam) opened with an in-depth look at analyzing microplastics in challenging samples using pyrolysis GC-MS. Dr. Antonia Praetorius (University of Amsterdam) highlighted how the chemical and physical properties of microplastics shape their environmental fate, drawing from her VIDI-funded research. Finally, Dr. Laurens Mandemaker (Utrecht University) concluded the session with insights into quantifying micro- and nanoplastics in complex media, including approaches to generate reliable model test materials. Together, the speakers illuminated the vital role of chemistry in tackling one of today’s most pressing environmental issues.
The “From Molecules to Market” session explored how early-stage research can be transformed into real-world applications. Moderated by Dr. Francesca Rivello (UvA & ACN), the panel discussionfeatured Prof. Gregg Siegal (ZoBio), Dr. Seino Jongkees (VU), and Dr. Lydia Kalafateli (NLC).
Prof. Gregg Siegal shared his journey from academia to founding ZoBio, a CRO focused on early-stage small molecule drug discovery. Highlighting ZoBio’s patented TINS technology and sustainable growth model, he emphasized the value of scientific excellence, company culture, and non-dilutive funding. Dr. Seino Jongkees presented translational research on macrocyclic peptides, including a nasal spray developed as a COVID-19 prophylactic. His work showcased how innovative academic science can directly contribute to therapeutic development. Dr. Lydia Kalafateli introduced NLC’s venture-building model, designed to bridge the “valley of death” in biotech. She explained how NLC supports scientists by providing capital, operational support, and business expertise to launch and scale new health ventures.
Together, the speakers demonstrated how collaboration across science, entrepreneurship, and venture development is key to bringing molecules to market.
Career Fair and Job Market
The day kicked off with a dynamic career fair, where 21 companies hosted booths to connect directly with students and early-career professionals in chemistry and life sciences. In addition, ten companies—NWO, AkzoNobel, Argent Energy, SolarFoil, Veridis, Seaborough, Bureau Veritas, Caffe Inc, MAT BioTech, and Brineworks—took the stage across three themed sessions to pitch their mission, company culture, and career opportunities. These presentations offered valuable insights into the wide range of career paths available across the sector.
The program also featured five dedicated career talks, each offering a deeper look into professional development and alternative career routes in science.
The “Beyond the Lab: Diverse Career Paths for Chemists” panel at ACID 2025 showcased the wide-ranging opportunities available to chemists beyond traditional research roles. Moderated by Sandra Galvan Garcia (Amsterdam Chemistry Network), the session featured Henri van Kalkeren (V.O.Patents & Trademarks), Hannah de Valk (Port of Amsterdam), Guusje Delen (BigCircles Ventures), and Marie Brands (Elexel BV). Drawing from careers in IPlaw, public project management, venture building, and entrepreneurship, the panelists shared candid insights into how they transitioned from the lab to leadership roles in industry and government. Discussions highlighted the importance of transferable skills, interdisciplinary networks, and being open to unexpected career paths. The session inspired students and early-career researchers to explore the many ways a chemistry background can create impact beyond academia.
Elena del Pup (Nucleate) and Dr. Olivier Lugier (Faculty of Impact) took the spotlight in the From Research to Venture? session, offering a compelling look at how scientists can turn academic research into real-world impact. Elena introduced Nucleate’s mission to grow biotech communities across the Netherlands, helping young scientists become future founders through structured mentorship and hands-on support. Dr. Lugier showcased the Faculty of Impact, a unique initiative that equips researchers with the entrepreneurial mindset, tools, and funding needed to transform discoveries into scalable ventures. Their stories highlighted a thriving ecosystem that empowers PhDs and PostDocs to step confidently into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rens van Roosmalen from Oxford Global Resources followed with a practical session titled Landing Your Dream Job: CV and Application Strategy. This recruiter-led workshop gave participants hands-on guidance to improve their CVs and job search approach. Packed with insider tips, the session helped attendees better understand what employers look for and how to position themselves for success in a competitive job market.
How do scientists stay true to their personal values while working in large corporations? That question took center stage during Balancing Ethics and Industry, a compelling session that brought together voices from academia and industry to explore the complex relationship between ethics and corporate science. Moderated by science journalist Esther Thole (KNCV), the panel featured Prof. Gert-Jan Gruter (Avantium), Prof. Paola Gori-Giorgi (Microsoft), and Dr. Evert van der Heide (formerly Shell). Together, they offered candid reflections on navigating ethical dilemmas, aligning sustainability goals with business realities, and making value-driven decisions throughout their careers. The session sparked an honest and much-needed conversation about integrity, compromise, and responsibility in today’s scientific landscape.
How do scientific ideas become real-world ventures? This inspiring closing session of the career talks put the spotlight on student entrepreneurship, with a dynamic showcase from Demonstrator Lab Amsterdam (DLAB). Bram Bark (DLAB) kicked things off with a look into how DLAB supports students and researchers in turning innovative ideas into impactful startups—through a hands-on, peer-to-peer learning environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and growth.
The spotlight then shifted to two student-led ventures. Max Nijman (MycoFarming®) presented his startup’s work using fungi to extract pollutants from water, offering a solution to the nitrogen crisis while producing valuable biomass. Nicholas Cullen (NextCrete) introduced a novel, eco-conscious alternative to sports chalk—showing how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
Breaks and Networking
Throughout the day, moments of reflection and knowledge exchange were woven into the program—often over shared food and drinks. Networking moments sparked organic conversations, reinforcing a strong, community-driven spirit of collaboration and growth.
Looking Ahead
The energy and commitment throughout the day were palpable. Students and professionals alike camewith openness and a genuine willingness to connect, share, and learn from one another. As we close this inspiring edition, we extend our sincere thanks to the organizing committee, speakers, and all contributors for making the event a resounding success. Until next year—let’s keep building bridges, fostering dialogue, and driving meaningful change.
Photo gallery by Monique Kooijmans
