Groundbreaking Research in Molecular Biology by Professor Jan Steyaert
VUB Professor Receives the Prestigious Christian B. Anfinsen Award
Jan Steyaert, professor of structural biology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Scientific Director of the VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, has made fundamental contributions to structural biology through his research. His innovative applications of nanobodies—small yet powerful antibodies—as molecular tools have enabled researchers worldwide to capture dynamic proteins in specific functional conformations. This has led to a better understanding of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a crucial class of proteins that play a key role in numerous biological processes and serve as targets for many drugs. Additionally, his research has laid the foundation for multiple spin-offs in Flanders.
For his pioneering work in nanobody technology and the structural analysis of dynamic proteins, Professor Steyaert has been awarded the prestigious Christian B. Anfinsen Award by The Protein Society. This international prize recognizes groundbreaking technological and methodological advancements in protein science.
Professor Steyaert will receive the award at The Protein Society’s 39th Annual Symposium, taking place from June 26 to 29, 2025, in San Francisco, USA. During the symposium, he will present his groundbreaking research findings in a plenary lecture.
“This recognition by The Protein Society is a crowning achievement of years of scientific research,” said Professor Steyaert. “Nanobody technology has revolutionized our understanding of dynamic proteins and opens new doors for innovative therapeutic applications.” He added: “Christian Anfinsen is one of the founding figures of my field, structural biology, and I am truly honored to follow in his footsteps!”
Professor Steyaert also recently inaugurated a new bio-incubator: Read more here.
Contact
Jan Steyaert – jan.steyaert@vub.be
About VUB and VIB
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a leading research university with a strong focus on fundamental and applied scientific research. The VIB is a renowned research institute dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of life and translating fundamental discoveries into medical and biotechnological innovations.
