prof.dr. WJH (Willem) van Berkel
Personal chair Molecular EnzymologyProfessional 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.