Idema’s group studies collective dynamics in biologically motivated systems, ranging from proteins at the nano scale to tissues and even populations at the micro- and macro scale. A theorist himself, Idema frequently collaborates and co-publishes with experimental groups. He also teaches a number of courses at TU Delft, ranging from introductory physics to courses on soft matter and geometry that take students to the cutting edge of current research. Since the fall of 2020, Idema leads the joint-degree MSc Nanobiology programme of TU Delft and the Erasmus MC Rotterdam. For his educational work, Idema received various prizes, including the faculty of applied sciences Teacher of the Year in 2019, the J.B. Westerdijkprize in 2020, a TU Delft education fellowship (2020-2022), an open education ambassador award (2023), and a SURF education award (2023).
For more details on his group’s research and teaching activities, visit their website at idemalab.tudelft.nl.