MARBLES’ partner appointed chief of bioinformatics at Wageningen University and Research

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Marnix Medema, a MARBLES partner at Wageningen University & Research, took up the role of chair of the Bioinformatics group on 1 February 2026. In this position, he aims to improve the connection between bioinformatics and life sciences.

One of his key goals is to combine different types of “omics” data to better understand how biological processes work. To achieve this, open science and shared, curated data are essential. They provide the foundation needed for advanced computational tools, (including AI and machine learning), to spot patterns and reveal connections between molecules and biological traits. This will help researchers move faster from raw data to understanding.

Medema’s research also focuses on antibiotic resistance. With support from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), he works with colleagues in Wageningen and MARBLES partners across Europe to develop smarter antibiotics. This project brings together bioinformatics, AI and biotechnology to improve how infections caused by resistant bacteria are treated.

Medema believes that integrating research into education is essential for training students in today’s data‑driven life sciences, and he highlights generative AI as a tool that lowers the barrier to computational work. Thanks to his new role, he wants to build a Bioinformatics group where data, methods and biological questions come together, and where research and teaching strengthen each other.