The study of the molecular basis of life is a rapidly developing and multidisciplinary field

of research. The Netherlands Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NVBMB) was

established in 1927 and currently lists about 1200 members. The society represents students

and professionals working in the area of biochemistry and molecular biology and its members

are from universities, institutes and industry. The society aims to stimulate the field of

biochemistry and molecular biology at a high professional level. It promotes co-operation

and acts as a forum to share know-how and expertise. The main instruments of the society

are symposia, lectures, prizes and travel grants.

Symposia

The society organizes at least twice a year a symposium on a contemporary topic in

biochemistry and molecular biology. These symposia involve renowned (inter)national

speakers presenting the latest developments.

NVBMB-prizes

The annual NVBMB prize is give to a highly talented Dutch biochemist or molecular

biologist with at least two years of postdoctoral experience. The society provides funds to the

laureate to organise a symposium on a topic that meets his or her field of research. The yearly

H.G.K. Westenbrink-prize is for the best thesis in biochemistry defended at a Dutch University.

Speaker of the year

As of 1980, the society invites a high profile speaker in biochemistry who conducts

a lecturing tour touching several Dutch universities. The list of previous invitees includes

many subsequent Nobel Prize winners.

International contacts

The society is a member of FEBS (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) and IUBMB

(International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). The society participates in

the FEBS board and several of its committees. The NVBMB seeks to interact with Biochemical

societies of other European countries and organises combined meetings to promote

networking and exchange.

Subsections

Currently, two subsections within the society represent specific sub disciplines. They yearly

organize meetings and workshops. These are:

- The Netherlands Proteomics Platform

- The Dutch Society for Glycobiology

Travel grants and Fellowships

The “Stichting Stimulering Biochemie Nederland” (SSBN) offers travel grants to PhD

students and Postdocs to support visits to symposia and workshops that are Biochemistry

oriented. Only members of the society are eligible for these grants. The membership also

provides access to the international travel grants scheme of FEBS. The “Nora Baart Stichting”

provides travel grants for master students to perform internships abroad and financially

supports symposia organized by students.

C2W life sciences and newsletter

Members receive four times a year C2W life sciences. This bulletin contains information

about the activities of the society, biochemical events in the Netherlands and abroad, courses

for students, announcements of FEBS and IUBMB and a list of thesis defences. With

additional costs, members can also receive eight times a year Mediator, covering more medically

oriented topics. An electronic newsletter provides members with the most up to date

information about the activities of the NVBMB.

Secretariaat NVBMB:
dr. Marcellus Ubbink
Universiteit Leiden, Instituut voor Chemieonderzoek

Postbus 9502
2300 RA Leiden
tel.: 071 527 46 28
fax: 071 527 43 49
e-mail: m.ubbink@chem.leidenuniv.nl