
Our approach
At EVOLF, we are pioneering a bottom-up approach to synthetic biology, leveraging the latest advancements in AI and evolutionary principles. Our ambitious ten-year program aims to recreate the fundamental functionalities of life through a modular framework. By working from the ground up, we will design and integrate essential biological modules, gradually building complexity until we achieve life-like properties.
Each module represents a key aspect of cellular function, and through meticulous integration, we strive to bring these modules together to form a cohesive, living system. This innovative approach not only pushes the boundaries of science but also promises to unlock new insights into the very essence of life.
Work packages
The 6 interdisciplinary research projects within EVOLF
Each WP will be coordinated by two WP leaders.
Liedewij Laan &
Pieter Rein ten Wolde
Kristina Ganzinger & Sander Tans
WP4
Module integration
WP3
Sensing & communication
WP5
Technologies for AI-assisted evolution
WP6
Responsible innovation & ethics
Wilhelm Huck &
Kristin Grußmayer
Jeroen van den Hoven & Lotte Asveld
WP2
Homeostasis, growth & division
WP1
Synthetic genome
Nico Claassens &
Pascale Daran-Lapujade
Bert Poolman &
Marileen Dogterom
WP leaders:
Funding
Generous funding for the EVOLF consortium is provided by the Dutch Reseach Counsil (NWO) through the NWO Summit call. Summit grants are an initiative to secure the position of the Netherlands in world class research. In 2024, 5 consortia were awarded a Summit funding. For more information on these consortia; please check the following link: https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/from-quantum-to-climate-five-teams-of-top-scientists-receive-summit-grant