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Maarten Merkx is a full professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and leads the research group Protein Engineering. His work integrates chemical biology and synthetic biology to create innovative biomolecular sensors and actuators aimed at applications in intracellular imaging, point-of-care diagnostics, optogenetics, and antibody-based therapies. A significant focus of his research is engineering biomolecular switches, which includes developing fluorescent and bioluminescent sensor proteins for intracellular imaging and photo-switchable proteins for various applications. He aims to engineer novel proteins that possess functions beyond the natural diversity, thereby critically expanding our understanding of protein function and paving the way for new therapeutic and diagnostic applications involving proteins. Merkx obtained his Master’s degree in physical organic chemistry and biochemistry from Radboud University Nijmegen in 1995, graduating cum laude. He earned his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Averill at the University of Amsterdam in 1999, studying purple acid phosphatases, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship with Prof. Lippard at MIT from 1999 to 2001. In addition to his professorship, he serves as the dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and has received various grants and awards, including the NWO VIDI grant in 2006 and multiple teaching accolades.
Eindhoven University of Technology • Eindhoven, Netherlands
Leading research group in Protein Engineering.
Department of Biomedical Engineering • Eindhoven University of Technology
Overseeing academic and administrative functions of the department.
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