About us

The RNA Biology Lab (RBL) originated in 2012 from the MicroArray Department (MAD), which was founded in 2000 as a genomics expertise center at the University of Amsterdam.

From the start, MAD focused on the design, production and use of custom microarrays, as well as the analysis of the resulting data. In recent years, the portfolio has expanded to include next-generation sequencing (NGS) services, single-cell sequencing services, and FACS services, which lead to a name change Molecular Analysis Department (MAD).

Today, the MAD consists of a wet-lab for molecular biology services, experimental design, and hands-on support and a dry-lab for bioinformatics services, data analysis, and computational support

In 2003, the Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (IBU) was established from within MAD to drive bioinformatics research. Over the years, significant effort has gone into developing and optimizing gene expression analysis (including sample preparation), as well as exploring innovative applications of genomics technologies.

This evolution led, in 2012, to a complete refocusing of the research activities towards “RNA Biology & Applied Bioinformatics (RB&AB)” and the establishment of a dedicated research group under that name. A further sharpening of our research on RNA viruses in 2018 resulted in the renaming of the group to the RNA Biology Lab (RBL).

Over time, both MAD and the associated RBL research group developed their expertise and now operate using the combined strengths of a genomics expertise center (MAD Wet- & Dry-Labs), the RBL research unit, and collaborating biologists and external partners. This creates a stimulating environment for innovation. This close collaboration has proven to be a highly successful concept, benefiting our clients and partners now and in the future.