Dr Ronald de Vries has been awarded a prestigious FNR PEARL Chair, further cementing the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) as a leading force in environmental and industrial biotechnologies.
Dr de Vries, an internationally recognised fungal biotechnologist, joins LIST where he will lead the newly established Fungal Biotechnology research group within the Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies unit, headed by Marcelo Fernandez Lahore. The FNR PEARL Chair is endowed with 3.98 million euros.
At LIST, his research will focus on understanding how fungi utilise natural carbon sources and translating that fundamental knowledge into innovative, bio-based solutions of high added value, bridging fundamental biology and applied biotechnology in support of Luxembourg’s transition towards a sustainable circular economy.
“I am delighted to be joining LIST and thankful for the support offered by the FNR PEARL Chair. Fungi possess remarkable capabilities to break down complex carbon sources, and with the interdisciplinary expertise at LIST, we can explore and harness this biological potential for sustainable innovation. ”Dr Ronald de Vries
The FNR PEARL programme is the Luxembourg National Research Fund’s (FNR) most substantial individual funding instrument, designed to attract world-class researchers to Luxembourg and provide the long-term conditions needed to build a research group and pursue ambitious science. Since its launch in 2009, fewer than 20 researchers of international standing have received this distinction — Dr de Vries is the latest among them.
Dr de Vries brings extensive expertise in fungal biology, molecular biology, fungal physiology, comparative and functional ‘omics, and enzyme discovery and characterisation. His work spans the full spectrum from fundamental studies to industrial applications. Before joining LIST, he held a senior leadership position at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute in the Netherlands, where he forged strong collaborations with industry through research projects and consultancy, deepening the connections between science and innovation.
“Welcoming Dr de Vries to LIST through the FNR PEARL programme marks a significant milestone for our institute,” said Dr Olivier Guillon, CEO of LIST. “His expertise in fungal biotechnology will reinforce LIST’s strategic ambitions and open new avenues for scientific excellence and societal impact.”
“Fungal biotechnology may not be the most visible field, but its potential contribution to sustainable, bio-based economies is real and significant. Supporting Professor de Vries through the FNR PEARL programme reflects our conviction that this excellent, curiosity-driven research broadens LIST's scientific portfolio and thus represents a strong contribution to Luxembourg's long-term investment in fundamental research. ”Dr Isabelle Mossong Secretary General of the FNR