Team:Amsterdam/sponsors

We are very greatfull with all our sponsors for supporting us and thereby making this project a succes. We especially want to thank both universities, the UvA and the VU, not only for the financial support, but also for their connections, help and encouragement. For the housing and lab support we are very gratefull to the Molecular Microbial Physiology lab.

SPONSORS

The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems

AIMMS, the Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, located in the O|2 Lab Building at VU University, is joining Molecular and Life Sciences to reach breakthroughs in translational molecular medicine with emphasis on the integrated understanding of biological processes and systems, the discovery of new biological targets and the development of new drug candidates, drugs, therapeutics and diagnostics. BioInformatics, Systems biology and Networks are an important areas of AIMMS.

Amsterdam Science Park

Until the 17th century, the area where Amsterdam Science Park now stands lay entirely under water. More than four metres below sea level, it took revolutionary technological advancement for the land to be reclaimed in 1629. Appropriately, today Amsterdam Science Park is home to one of the largest concentrations of beta sciences in Europe. This unique juncture of prestigious education, high-quality research and knowledge-intensive business has been carefully cultivated to stimulate innovation and collaboration. With the University of Amsterdam Faculty of Science, the Amsterdam University College, dozens of renowned research institutes and some 120 companies – from start-ups to multinationals – all working in the fields of IT, Life Sciences, advanced technology, and sustainability, Amsterdam Science Park has become a vibrant melting pot where business, science and innovation meet.

Amsterdam University Fund

The Amsterdam University Fund (Stichting Amsterdams Universiteitsfonds) is a joint initiative of the University of Amsterdam Alumni Association (AUV) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The Fund operates as an independent foundation and is a recognised charity. Donations made to the Amsterdam University Fund are allocated in accordance with donors' wishes, with the gift donated going entirely to the designated beneficiary.

DSM

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health,nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in life sciences and materials sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

Graduate Schools of Science, UvA

Within the Faculty of Science, the Graduate Schools and the Human Resources Department look after educational and career needs of Master's students and PhD candidates in the domains of Exact Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences, Information Sciences.

Integrated DNA Technologies

Integrated DNA Technologies sells short strands of DNA called oligonucleotides. The way that one strand of DNA specifically binds a second strand of DNA allows scientists to use short DNA strands (oligos) as research tools. A short synthetic piece of DNA can be used to bind or find its matching sequence even in a complex mixture of millions of unrelated pieces of DNA. It is this unique fact that allows researchers to decode and study the genetic makeup of any living organism. Using new oligo-based technologies, a revolution is underway where we are beginning to catalog the complete genetic makeup of hundreds of living things, ranging from bacteria to humans. Given a known DNA sequence, scientists can easily design a short oligo that can be used to perform a variety of tasks. It is this short single-stranded DNA that the researcher orders from IDT. IDT manufactures the oligo using chemical DNA synthesis machines designed and built in-house. We've refined the process to the point where we can receive an order as late as 1:00pm and have the desired oligo in the researcher's hands the next morning. Our customers range from small university labs of only a few scientists to global pharmaceutical companies, and everything in between.

Matrix Innovation Center

Housing and serving (start-up) ICT, new media and Life Sciences companies hand and foot is what Matrix Innovation Center is all about. To this end, we seek to offer tenants maximum flexibility in terms of physical space and also when rental contracts and rental periods are involved. In our multi-tenanted buildings, you are more than welcome to rent floor areas starting at 26 m2. Each rental agreement comes with at least one year, which means expanding or shrinking your business is easy. Additional services include telephone, reception, security and cleaning. But more importantly, we are happy to be your matchmaker, helping you get in touch with educational and research institutions for beta sciences as well as other knowledge-intensive firms that are already renting space in one of our buildings. For we believe knowledge is key to progress and innovation.

Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to develop technologies that improve and enhance life—from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. The life science business‘ purpose is to solve the toughest problems in the industry by collaborating with the global scientific community. With a broad portfolio of more than 300,000 products for protein research, cell biology and chemical-based and biopharmaceuticals, the business covers the bioprocessing value chain. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the „Merck“ name and brand, except in the U.S. and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Phenomenex

Phenomenex technologies advance the future of scientific analysis and investigation. We are industry experts in surface chemistry, polymer and silica particle technology, process chemistry and equipment, column hardware and novel packing methods. Our products range from extraction tubes used to clean blood samples for clinical research, liquid chromatography columns that confirm the purity of a new pharmaceutical compound, and gas chromatography columns that test for harmful pesticides in food, and more.

SnapGene

SnapGene provides the easiest and most secure way to plan, visualize, and document your everyday molecular biology procedures. That’s why scientists at leading institutions and companies around the globe depend on SnapGene every day. SnapGene is used in 50 countries, virtually every major research institution, and in most of the largest pharmaceutical companies. SnapGene is in active development, with new features being prioritized based on customer feedback, and we pride ourselves on maintaining a close relationship with our customers. Learn more or sign up for a free trial at snapgene.com.

Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is the largest institute of the Faculty of Science. The institute comprises biological disciplines including molecular and cell biology, microbiology, plant science, physiology and neurobiology, supported by modern enabling technologies for the life sciences. The research groups of SILS also develop methods in genomics (micro-array, next-gen sequencing, proteomics), bioinformatics and advanced light microscopy technologies. Knowledge from adjacent fields of science, in particular biochemistry, biophysics, medicine, bioinformatics, statistics and information technology make SILS a multidisciplinary research institute with a systems biology approach to the life sciences. SILS’ research objective is to understand the functioning of living organisms, from the most basic aspects up to complex physiological function(s). Biological processes are studied at the level of molecules, cells, cellular networks and organisms. SILS research topics have in common that similar cellular processes and interactions are studied, likewise using similar methodologies and technologies. Therefore SILS scientists often study the same concepts in different biological systems. Within the institute, this leads to exchange of information and extension of research over the borders of different disciplines. Part of SILS research activities are directed to application-oriented research in close collaboration with industry.

United Consumers

The Dutch consumer’s collective UnitedConsumers was founded in 2000. Over the years 500.000 consumers became a part of the collective. From the beginning UnitedConsumers has one purpose in mind: reduce the fixed charges of consumers, without compromising on service and quality. Members can get a discount on their car and health insurances, fuel, telephone subscriptions and energy (gas and electricity). As an energy supplier UnitedConsumers finds it important to take its responsibilities. That is why the consumer’s collective supplies green electricity to all its customers. Also, United Consumers informs and advises consumers on energy saving options. This way UnitedConsumers wants to contribute to a sustainable future, together with the consumers. In recent years United Consumers won awards for best service (GfK, Preferenso) and several times for best energy supplier (GfK, Consumentenbond, Vereniging Eigen Huis).

Vrije Universiteit

Ever since it was founded in 1880, VU Amsterdam has been known for its distinctive approach to knowledge. VU is an open organization, strongly linked to people and society. What matters is not just the acquisition of a greater depth of knowledge, but also a wider one. We ask and expect our students, researchers, PhD candidates and employees to look further – to look further than their own interests and their own field, and further than what is familiar and further than the here and now.

Faculty of Science, VU

The Faculty of Science of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam encourages scientists and students to find sustainable solutions to the complex social issues of this day and age. With great dedication, we practise science addressing every manner of subject, from forest fires to big data, from obesity to medication, and from molecules to the moon. The collaboration between scientists working on fundamental and applied research allows communities to be built beyond the borders of the various disciplines, following new and innovative pathways. Our dedication is passed on to our students, who are in direct contact with the professors in their field. Our vibrant campus is a place where knowledge and experience are shared among an international community of students, doctoral candidates and scientists. With sound academic foundations, extensive interdisciplinary expert knowledge and a wide-ranging outlook on the world, they are capable of making an effective contribution to science and society. We work together with various organisations and knowledge institutions, as well as with the business world, with an especially strong collaboration with VU Medical Center Amsterdam (VUmc) on life sciences. Our Amsterdam Zuidas location also offers unique opportunities for international exchange and collaboration.