Research group

Drug Discovery

The research focuses on those parts of the total drug discovery process that align with the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. Examples include smart technologies related to advanced testing systems and the identification of new chemical starting points.

Installation Dennis Löwik

The installation of Dennis as Professor Drug Discovery took place on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The title of his inaugural lecture is 'From Molecule to Medicine: From Inspiration to Innovation'. A booklet has been produced based on this lecture.

Download the booklet

Molecuul Medicijn tbv installatie Dennis Löwik

Smarter starting points for medicines

Smarter identification of new starting points (chemical molecules) in the drug discovery chain. Here, the research emphasizes the idea that these starting points must have a better chance of reaching the finish line. Currently, more than 90% fail.

There are two main lines of research:

1. Natural substances as a source of inspiration

2. Data-driven information as a source of inspiration
Improved smart test models

The emphasis of the research here lies on models that are closer to reality. These are often complex cell systems grown from stem cells and consisting of various cell types with the associated 3D structure and functionalities. Organoids are an example of this. These models are intended to provide a better translation of research to humans and reduce the use of animal testing.

Medicines
Pathology
Organic synthesis
Organoids
AI in drug design
Peptides

Drug Discovery

Stills van video's ter gelegenheid van het 20-jarig bestaan van HAN BioCentre

Organoids

Still Bart Smeets video ter gelegenheid van het 20-jarig bestaan van HAN BioCentre

Professor Drug Discovery

Dennis Löwik

Dennis's main mission within drug discovery is to improve the early stage of drug research. “The entire process currently takes an average of 15 years and costs 1 billion euros. If we can take smarter starting points for drug research, we can move through the process faster.”

Do you want to contribute to the early stages of drug development? Or do you want to help create new medicines for various diseases? And do you want to do this together with students from other study programs and companies in the center of the pharmaceutical 'world', Pivot Park in Oss? Then the Drug Discovery minor is for you!

The minor starts in the second semester.

More information: Drug discovery — HAN Minoren

Check out the video about the minor Drug Discovery
Within the Drug Discovery Research Group at Pivot Park in Oss, third- and fourth-year organic chemistry students have the opportunity to complete an internship or graduate. A project in this hybrid learning environment is a collaboration with one of our partners, focusing on synthesizing a library of small molecules. An internship includes literature research, performing and optimizing synthesis pathways for potential drugs in the lab, and writing a research report under the supervision of MSc and PhD-level supervisors.

Summer School Drug Discovery 2026

In collaboration with Radboud University and Pivot Park, the HAN Drug Discovery Research Group is opening its doors this summer for an inspiring summer school in Oss. During this course, you will dive into the world of the preclinical phase of modern drug development. An ideal opportunity to deepen your knowledge and expand your network.

More information

Poster HAN BioCentre over drug discovery

Anniversary HAN BioCentre

HAN BioCentre celebrated its 20th anniversary with a symposium on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The afternoon featured parallel sessions, a panel discussion, and keynote speaker Gerrit Hiemstra. At Laan van Scheut 2 in Nijmegen, themes such as data sciences, fermentation, molecular biology, biorefinery, and drug discovery were covered.

Read our anniversary magazine

Header voor han.nl van 20-jarig jubileum HAN BioCentre

Installation Professor Drug Discovery Dennis Löwik

The installation took place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Nijmegen. The title of his inaugural lecture is 'From molecule to medicine: from inspiration to innovation'.

Read more about Dennis

Centre of Expertise (CoE)

HAN BioCentre

HAN BioCentre is the leading Centre of Expertise for Applied Biosciences and Chemistry. Together with the industry and research institutions, researchers conduct practice-oriented research in the areas of Drug Discovery and Biobased Innovations. This leads to the development of new knowledge that contributes to the pharmaceutical industry and the biobased economy.

HAN BioCentre makes its research results and facilities available to educators, professionals, students, and companies. A fertile ground for innovation!

More information

School

Applied Biosciences and Chemistry

The School of Applied Biosciences and Chemistry offers biomedical and chemical laboratory research for students, industry, and government. Its unique offerings include the Molecular Plant Biology specialization, the Master’s program in Applied Molecular Sciences, and the HAN BioCentre. Education, research, and practical application come together here.