prof.dr. WJH (Willem) van Berkel

Professional career

1974    High School Biochemistry (HBO-B)

1974    Lab Technician Molecular Physics, Wageningen University

1975    Lab Technician Biochemistry, Wageningen University

1981    Lab Assistant Biochemistry, Wageningen University

1986    Assistant Professor Biochemistry, Wageningen University

1989    Doctorate in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University

            PhD thesis: Structure-function relationship of flavoproteins. Promotor: prof. dr. F. Müller

1993    Assistant Professor Molecular Enzymology, Lab of Biochemistry, Wageningen University

2000    Deputy Chairholder Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University

2004    Associate Professor Molecular Enzymology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen UR

2010    Full Professor Molecular Enzymology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen UR

Willem van Berkel has made major contributions in the biochemistry, biocatalysis and chemical biology of (redox) enzymes. In his research group Enzymes@Work he focuses on the discovery, mechanisms, and state-of-the-art engineering of (redox) enzymes for applications in food, health, technology and environment. Mechanistic and structural insights are combined with catalytic applications at laboratory scale. A main strategy involves protein engineering directed at understanding and improving the capabilities of oxidative biocatalysts. In addition to his scholarly work, he has made important contributions to the community through his service on the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NVBMB), and the Federation of the European Biochemical Society (FEBS). He is also a dedicated teacher, mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral associates while teaching biological chemistry, enzymology, applied biocatalysis and chemical biology to undergraduates.