Thomas Been

Dr. Thomas Been is a Research Professor at Wageningen University & Research in the Applied Ecology department. He serves as a co-promotor for PhD students and has led multiple research projects focusing on nematology and precision agriculture since at least 2008.

His research expertise spans:

• Nematology, particularly root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) and lesion nematodes
• Precision agriculture technologies and digital farming platforms
• Crop growth modeling and population dynamics
• Potato cultivation systems and disease management

Dr. Been's recent publications reveal a strong integration of nematology research with precision agriculture technologies. His work on Akkerweb and FarmMaps demonstrates how spatial and temporal data can optimize farming decisions, particularly for potato cultivation. He has successfully bridged fundamental nematode population studies with practical field applications through mathematical modeling and digital tools.

As an academic supervisor, Dr. Been served as co-promotor for Teklu, M.'s PhD research on host status and partial resistance testing of crops for Meloidogyne chitwoodi (2011-2018). He has secured funding for multiple significant projects including Meloresist (2014-2016), resistance testing for potato nematodes (2012), and natural decline of nematode populations (2010).

Dr. Been actively contributes to agricultural innovation through the development of digital platforms and decision support systems. His recent work on digital twins for nitrogen management demonstrates practical applications of his research for sustainable farming practices. He regularly presents at seminars and conferences on precision agriculture topics, with speaking engagements documented from 2014 through 2020.