Dr. Dirk Bald

Biography

Dirk Bald studied Chemistry and Biology at the University of Münster in Germany and subsequently obtained his PhD in Biochemistry, focusing on membrane proteins involved in photosynthesis. From 1995 to 2001, he worked at the Tokyo Institute of Technology as a post-doctoral researcher, studying the biochemical aspects of motor protein ATP synthase, a pivotal component in the energy metabolism of living cells. In 2001, he joined the Department of Molecular Cell Biology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as an assistant professor. His research interests encompass fundamental aspects of bacterial energy metabolism and the discovery and characterization of novel antibiotics. His group has investigated the biochemistry and microbiology of energy metabolism in pathogenic bacteria, contributing significantly to the understanding of central pathways utilized for efficient antibiotic targeting, particularly in tuberculosis. Dirk collaborates with international research groups, universities, and the pharmaceutical industry. He coordinated an EU-funded Marie Curie Research Training Network from 2006 to 2009, which involved thirteen partners across eight European countries. He also coordinates a course in Protein Science as part of the Master’s program in Biomolecular Sciences, integrating current research into the course material.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses