Professor Bert Meijer supervised more than 100 PhD students and played a significant role in the establishment of SBMC.
Bert Meijer is a renowned Dutch chemist and a pivotal figure in supramolecular chemistry and polymer science, currently a distinguished university professor at Eindhoven University of Technology. With over 600 publications and numerous accolades, including the Spinoza Prize and U.S. National Academy of Sciences membership, his work has significantly shaped the field. Without Professor Meijer’s pioneering efforts, Smart BioMaterials Consortium likely wouldn’t exist, as his research laid essential groundwork for this innovative field.
Bert Meijer began his career at Philips and DSM before becoming a full professor at Eindhoven University of Technology where he supervised more than 100 PhD students, many of whom hold key positions in academia and industry. In this in-depth interview, we speak with Bert about the rewards of mentoring students and the challenges of transforming scientific breakthroughs into commercial successes.
What do you enjoy so much about working with young researchers?
“Well, first, it was my reason for returning to the university—to work with young people and help them shape their careers. I see it as my job. Teaching and doing research well are essential, but I truly love seeing people grow. They come to the group without much experience, and you help them learn and become independent. It’s beautiful. They become almost like my children.
What is the main thing you try to teach them?
“I aim to help them become independent, to understand their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and to figure out what they enjoy and what they should avoid. Of course, I also teach them a lot about molecules—that’s fundamental. But helping them shape a successful career is my main goal. As they progress, you see them become more self-reliant. Whether they go into academia or industry, my role is to support them.”
Is there anything in particular you’ve learned from them?
“Oh, so many things! Like children, they keep you on the right track and call you out when you’re wrong. Working with young people makes you feel younger, even if that’s just an illusion. I’ve learned a lot from them. For example, when I started, working with biological materials was somewhat restricted. Then Patricia Dankers joined the group as a PhD student and she was interested in biomaterials. I encouraged her to pursue it, and that eventually led to significant contributions to the biomaterials department. It’s vital to let young people explore their passions, and if they’re committed, they’ll succeed no matter which career path they choose.”
Some of the readers may not be familiar with your scientific career. Could you explain your area of expertise?
“I began as an organic chemist, working on chemiluminescent assays that later became widely used in industry. After that, I moved to Philips and DSM and I learned about functional polymers. When I joined the university, I realized that combining small and large molecules in supramolecular assemblies could lead to functional materials. We now work on synthesizing molecules and understanding how they assemble, either in dynamic systems or stable structures. We study biomaterials but also organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). For example, I’m currently working together with Sir Richard Friend from Cambridge University on a very efficient OLED that combines high intensity with unprecedented levels of circular polarization.
Can you tell us a bit about the applications for that?
“Ideally, companies will adopt it for OLED screens. But to be honest, applications don’t interest me as much. My focus is on understanding the principles—how molecules assemble, the dynamics involved. It’s fine if others apply our knowledge. My main role is to educate young people, not to commercialize products.”
Some of your inventions, like the luminescent assays, have made a big impact. Which of your projects do you think has had the greatest impact?
“The most impactful could have been a better molecule than Renagel, a phosphate binder for people with kidney issues. However, complications with patent rights prevented it from becoming widely available instead of only in Japan. Now, I hope Xeltis, which is using our UPy materials, will make a significant impact. I know from experience that bringing innovations to market is challenging. Personally I prefer focusing on training young scientists.”
You mentioned working with polymers at Philips and combining knowledge of small and large molecules. From your perspective, what does industry do well, and what is academia best suited for?
“Industry has changed a lot. In the past, big companies like Philips were ahead of universities in certain research areas, but that’s no longer the case. Startups now drive innovation, but they have to commercialize quickly, which leaves little room for fundamental research. The US handles this differently than Europe. For example, my friend Craig Hawker from the University of California Santa Barbara created Olaplex, which he started in his garage with a PhD student and later sold it for $1.4 billion. People like Bob Langer are also innovating at incredible rates. Europe seems to find this harder.
You’re approaching 70—a perfect moment to look forward. What’s still on your wish list?
“People often ask me that, but I don’t really have a wish list. The one dream I do have is to visit Antarctica someday. Mostly, I just want to stay healthy, enjoy being with my family, keep seeing my former students and my scientific “(grand)children” grow, and continue contributing here for a few more years with a smaller group. I hope to support the university and my colleagues as much as I can. My career has been about helping others and seeing what comes of it. It’s never been about me—it’s about those around you, and the joy that comes from supporting them.”
