The NVBMB

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. The NVBMB is one of the largest sections of the KNCV, the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society.

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

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.

Subsections
Currently, three 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
- Netherlands Chromatin Platform

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.

NVBMB newsletter: please provide your e-mail adres!
The NVBMB regularly sends out newsletters with useful information for NVBMB members on upcoming events, grant opportunities and prizes. If you are an NVBMB member but do not reveive our newsletter, please provide the KNCV membership administration with your (proper) e-mail address.

For general questions please send an email to nvbmb@kncv.nl