Dr. Dirk Bald studied Chemistry and Biology at the University of Münster (Germany) and subsequently obtained his PhD in Biochemistry, working on membrane proteins involved in photosynthesis. From 1995 to 2001, Bald worked at the Tokyo Institute of Technology as post-doctoral researcher, studying biochemical and single molecule aspects of the motor protein ATP synthase, a pivotal component of energy metabolism in living cells.
In 2001, Bald started as assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Cell Biology at VU Amsterdam. His research interests include both fundamental aspects of bacterial energy metabolism as well as discovery and characterization of novel antibiotics. His group has investigated the biochemistry and microbiology of energy metabolism in pathogenic bacteria and significantly contributed to the (surprising) view that this central pathway can be utilized as efficient target for new antibiotics, in particular against tuberculosis.
Dr. Bald collaborates with international research groups from both universities and pharmaceutical industry. From 2006 to 2009, Bald coordinated a EU-funded Marie Curie Research Training Network involving thirteen partners in eight European Countries.
Bald coordinates the course Protein Science, a portal course of the Master’s program Biomolecular Sciences and also the Minor program Biomolecular Science & Neuroscience, thereby integrating ongoing AIMMS research in the course subject matter.
