Find Academic Supervisors

Hauke Smidt is a Personal Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Molecular Ecology group within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. His research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly gut microbiota dynamics, antibiotic resistance, environmental microbiology, and the One Health framework. Smidt has supervised over 50 PhD students and contributed to 519 publications, including studies on microbiome resilience, fermented food impacts, and bioremediation strategies. Education and affiliations include leadership roles in projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, pig health, and drinking water microbiology. His work spans collaborations across Europe and Asia, with notable contributions to understanding microbial community responses to environmental stressors and dietary interventions. Smidt is actively involved in public outreach, as seen in media contributions discussing microbiome research and health benefits. Key projects include aquifer treatment for drinking water, microbiome simulation models, and combating plant pathogens. His awards and recognition are not explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record and project leadership highlight significant academic impact.

• Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Gut Microbiota
• +4 more

Jan Dijkstra is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University specializing in Animal Nutrition . His research focuses on dairy cattle nutrition, methane emissions, and nutrient efficiency. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Department: Animal Nutrition His work emphasizes: Mathematical modelling of methane production Phosphorus and nitrogen balance optimization Feed supplementation strategies for reduced emissions Genotype-environment interactions in dairy systems Recent publications highlight advancements in methane mitigation , nutrient cycling , and rumen microbiome dynamics . He serves as a promotor for multiple PhD projects and contributes to datasets on equine microbiomes and rumen metabolites. Scientific Awards American Feed Industry Association Award (2015) Publicatieprijs ASG (2013) Supervision PhD candidates: Kozorezov, Henry, Koning, Vivares Martinez EngD candidate: Holshof

• Animal Nutrition
• Dairy Cattle
• Methane Emission
• +2 more

Dr. Renske Hijbeek is an Associate Professor at the Plant Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Her research focuses on nutrient management in arable farming systems, emphasizing soil fertility improvement through organic waste recycling, legume cultivation, and minimizing environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. She teaches courses including 'The Carbon Dilemma - A Soil Perspective' and 'Analysing Sustainability of Farming Systems'. Key projects include the GRA Benchmarking Nutrient Circularity and EDF Soil Carbon Sequestration initiatives. Her work integrates agronomy with ecological principles to achieve sustainable agricultural practices globally. Research Contributions: Dr. Hijbeek's projects address nutrient circularity, soil carbon dynamics, and organic amendment efficiency across temperate and tropical regions. Recent work explores dietary impacts on nitrogen fertilizer dependency and systemic redesign of food production systems. Collaborations: Active in international collaborations like the Global Crop Nutrient Removal Database and the CATCH-C Legumes project in Tanzania. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges crop science, environmental management, and policy analysis.

• Agricultural Systems
• Crop Production
• Soil Fertility Management
• +5 more

Lieuwke Kranenburg is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , specializing in Equine Internal Medicine . She provides patient care at the University Equine Clinic and teaches Master's courses in equine digestion , infectious diseases , and skin problems . Research Focus: Equine internal medicine, digestive diseases, infectious pathogens, metabolic disorders Professional Certifications: EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine International Collaboration: Trained Chinese veterinarians at Heilan Equestrian Centre Publications highlight her work on equine gastric disease management, diagnostic imaging, infectious disease epidemiology, and metabolic research. She contributes to equine clinical research through peer-reviewed journals and conference abstracts. Professional Involvement: Former board member of the Equine Medicine Group and current GGP representative for FEEVA, maintaining professional networks and advancing equine veterinary practice.

• Equine Internal Medicine
• Equine Digestive Diseases
• Infectious Diseases in Horses
• +6 more

Hannah van Zanten is a Full Professor in Earth Systems and Global Change at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in sustainable food systems, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Her work emphasizes circular food systems, livestock production optimization, and environmental impact mitigation. She has received multiple awards, including the Storm-van der Chijs award (2015) and several Best Oral Presentation accolades at academic conferences. Her research spans topics like protein upcycling, soil biodiversity, and the environmental implications of livestock feed. She supervises PhD projects on regenerative agriculture, circular food transitions, and ecosystem services in South American grasslands. Recent projects include redesigning European food systems to enhance food security under climate change and modeling circularity impacts. Key research interests include: sustainable diets, land-use efficiency, and the integration of biodiversity conservation with agricultural practices. She has published extensively on topics like earthworm farming, circular protein systems, and the compatibility of animal-sourced foods with circular principles. Awards: 5 major prizes for academic contributions, including innovation in animal sciences and sustainability. Grants/Projects: Leading 19 active projects, including EU-funded initiatives on sustainable livestock and circular food system modeling. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like SUSFANS (Sustainable Food Systems) and Re-Livestock (resilient livestock systems).

• Food Systems
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Circular Food Systems
• +7 more

Richard Crooijmans is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research in the field of Animal Breeding and Genetics. With over 363 research outputs and 50 datasets, his work spans genomics, genetic divergence, and livestock breeding. Research interests include: Genomics and Whole Genome Sequencing Animal Genetics and Breeding Programs Genetic Variability and Marker-Assisted Selection Recent publications in 2025 focus on probiotic effects on broiler breeders, pig mutation rates, and genomic selection in Holstein cattle. His projects involve advising PhD candidates in areas like ethical egg industry development and milk composition genetics. Current advising : Fotowatikha Someeserai (PhD, ethical egg industry) Zhuang Z. (PhD, epigenomic regulatory elements) Gao J. (PhD, genomic data analysis) Media contributions include genetic research on Dutch chicken breeds and aurochs extinction.

• Genomics
• Genetics
• Breed
• +5 more

Mirjam Kabel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Chemistry at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Wageningen Institute for Food and Biobased Research (VLAG). Her research is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on the structural and functional properties of plant polysaccharides, lignin, and dietary fibers. Her research interests lie at the intersection of food chemistry, biochemistry, and animal nutrition. She investigates the molecular structure of plant cell wall components such as arabinoxylan, cellulose, and pectin, and their behavior during digestion, particularly in pigs. Her work also explores the enzymatic modification of these polymers using fungal enzymes like lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases and cellobiose dehydrogenases. The recent trend in her publications shows a strong emphasis on advanced analytical techniques—including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chromatography—to characterize complex biopolymers. Her studies often involve collaboration across disciplines, including microbiology, materials science, and agricultural sciences, reflecting the broad applicability of her research in food, feed, and biobased products. She actively supervises multiple PhD candidates, indicating her role in training the next generation of scientists. Her current projects include the use of fungal enzymes to modify pectin, the role of seaweed cell walls in vegetative propagation, and the application of lignin as a tracer in animal digestion. She has presented at conferences and delivered lectures, including on the separation and identification of pectin oligosaccharides. Her work has been supported through various funded research projects, demonstrating sustained academic and institutional engagement.

• Food Chemistry
• Polysaccharide Biochemistry
• Lignin Chemistry
• +7 more

Joana Falcao Salles is a Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen, leading the Salles Lab focused on Microbial Community Ecology. Her research integrates ecological and evolutionary theories to understand microbial community formation and their environmental impacts. She holds a PhD from Leiden University (2005) and has held academic positions since 2008. She serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME). Her expertise spans microbial ecology in soils, plants, and animals, with a focus on microbial diversity, invasion dynamics, and symbiotic relationships. Key projects include studying salt marsh microbiomes, plant-microbe interactions in agriculture, and the role of microbiomes in host immunity. She has secured grants for initiatives like PotatoMETAbiome and INSECTFEED, advancing sustainable agriculture and circular economy solutions. Salles has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work on microbial solutions to climate change, antibiotic resistance, and gut-brain axis interactions. Her lab collaborates globally, addressing challenges in environmental sustainability and public health.

• Microbial Ecology
• Soil Microbiology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. J. Ellers is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , and a member of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment . His research focuses on understanding how an individual’s phenotype is shaped by interactions between genes, genome, and environment , employing molecular, physiological, and experimental tools within an evolutionary framework. Ellers contributes to the Netherlands Society of Evolutionary Biology (NLSEB) as a co-founder and serves as Vice-Chair of the Dutch Biology Council , advocating for biology research and education in the Netherlands. Research Interests: Ellers explores the intersection of evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental science , with key themes in phenotypic plasticity, urbanization effects on species, trait-based ecology, and adaptive signaling . His work spans soil fauna dynamics, invasive species impacts, and metabolic adaptations , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to link mechanisms with ecological and evolutionary outcomes. Recent Publications highlight trends in urban ecology, climate change impacts, and trait evolution . Notable studies examine how noise and light pollution alter animal communication , high-sugar diets affect microbiomes , and robot morphologies reflect biological systems . His research also addresses data interoperability through initiatives like ShareTrait and global soil arthropod assessments . Scientific Contributions: Ellers advocates for open-access publishing and interdisciplinary climate change experiments. His leadership in the Dutch Biology Council and co-founding of NLSEB reflect sustained commitment to scientific policy and community engagement. Supervised 23 PhD theses and teaching courses like Ecosystem Services and Scientific Advocacy underscore his mentorship and educational impact.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Molecular Ecology
• +6 more

Jan Dijkstra is an Associate Professor at the Animal Nutrition Group of Wageningen University & Research , with an Adjunct Professor appointment at the University of Guelph since 2009. His work focuses on modeling digestive and metabolic processes in dairy cattle to enhance health, reduce environmental impact, and improve profitability. He has led major projects integrating dynamic mechanistic models with experimental research and secured over €10 million in grants. Research Themes : Methane emission reduction, rumen fermentation, nutritional physiology, seaweed-based feed additives (e.g., Asparagopsis taxiformis ), and protein/energy metabolism. Key Methods : Mathematical and computational modeling, in vivo and in vitro trials, bromoform analysis via GCxGC-TOFMS, and histological evaluations of rumen health. Scientific Leadership : Chair, MODNUT (International Workshop on Modeling Nutrient Utilization in Farm Animals, 2018–present) Co-chair, Feed and Nutrition Network (Global Research Alliance, 2012–2019) Member, International Symposium on Nutrition of Herbivores (2003–2014) Grants and Projects : Over €10 million in funding (past 5 years), involving 10 PhD students and 2 postdocs. Projects include assessing the safety of Asparagopsis taxiformis in dairy diets and developing antimethanogenic feed strategies.

• Animal Nutrition
• Dairy Cattle Nutrition
• Mathematical Modeling
• +3 more

Andre Bannink is a senior researcher at Wageningen University's Animal Nutrition department, specializing in sustainable dairy farming systems. His work focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing nutrient efficiency in livestock, particularly through methane mitigation strategies and nitrogen/phosphorus balance studies. Key research areas: Methane Emissions, Rumen Microbiology, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Active projects: Milk urea for nitrogen efficiency, Methane-reducing feed additives, Grassland methane reduction Recent research explores dietary interventions for methane mitigation, including 3-nitrooxypropanol , and evaluates the impacts of low-phosphorus diets on dairy cow health. His publications emphasize process-based modeling of emissions and practical feed additive guidelines. Andre collaborates extensively on international projects and supervises PhD candidates. He contributes to climate policy discussions, with media appearances on topics like grassland methane reduction and sustainable livestock innovations .

• Animal Nutrition
• Methane Emissions
• Dairy Farming
• +3 more

Prof. B (Bas) Kemp is a full professor and chairholder of the Adaptation Physiology group at Wageningen University. He holds an Animal Science background with a PhD (1986-1989) focusing on boar nutrition. After roles as assistant professor (Animal Nutrition) and associate professor (Animal Husbandry), he became chairholder in 2000. His group studies animal adaptation through interdisciplinary approaches, addressing health, welfare, and environmental challenges in domestic animals. Key research themes include early life impacts on adaptive capacity, energy metabolism, and critical transition periods. With >400 refereed papers and an h-index of 81 (2024), his work spans animal physiology, reproduction, and biochemistry. Education: PhD in Animal Science (nutrition of breeding boar). Research Interests: Focuses on optimizing animal welfare via physiological adaptations, including immunology, behavioral physiology, and metabolic processes. Current projects include optimizing lactation in dairy cows, mitigating methane emissions, and improving sow health through nutritional strategies. Prof. Kemp teaches courses such as Internship ADP30306 and Health, Welfare and Management . His team comprises international researchers and PhD students, emphasizing collaborative, application-oriented research.

• Animal Physiology
• Animal Biochemistry
• Animal Husbandry
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Frans Brom is a leading academic in ethics of science and policy at Utrecht University's Ethics Institute , with a focus on Institutions for Open Societies . He combines academic research with strategic roles at institutions like the Rathenau Institute (2007-2015) and serves on multiple national/international ethics committees. Education PhD in Ethics (Utrecht University, 1997) Doctoral degrees in Ethics (Catholic Theological University Amsterdam) and Philosophy of Law (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) His research examines interactions between scientific, policy, and political rationalities in technology assessment, with particular interest in: Ethics of technology assessment Scientific integrity frameworks Animal biotechnology and welfare Trust in food/agricultural policy Science-based strategic advisory roles Democratic governance of emerging technologies Recent publications emphasize ethical dimensions in animal welfare policy , trust mechanisms in governance , and scenario planning for pandemics . He has organized major EU ethics forums and contributed to GMO policy frameworks. Key societal functions include: Chair of Wageningen University's Scientific Integrity Committee (2013-2015) Chair of Unilever's Central Research Ethics Advisory Group (2009-2015) Chair of COGEM's Subcommittee on Ethics and Social Aspects (2007-2015) Member of European ethics societies and editorial boards Brom actively bridges academic ethics research with practical policy advising through: Organizing political cafés on synthetic biology Participating in shale gas stakeholder discussions Developing ethical assessment frameworks for biotechnology Contributing to FAO expert meetings on food safety

• Ethics
• Applied Ethics
• Scientific Integrity
• +4 more

Jaap Keijer is a Full Professor and Chairholder in the Department of Human and Animal Physiology at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on metabolic physiology, particularly energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the interplay between diet, aging, and chronic metabolic diseases. He leads projects investigating nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) in energy metabolism, galactose's effects on metabolic programming, and the role of environmental factors like hypoxia in muscle physiology. He serves on the editorial board of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research and advises the German Institute of Human Nutrition. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and whole-organism approaches to understand health and disease mechanisms. Key research themes include metabolic adaptations in obesity, mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, and translational biomarker development for physical activity and metabolic health. Dr. Keijer teaches courses on molecular nutritional physiology, model organisms for lifespan research, and dissection-free human/animal physiology. His projects address clinical challenges such as sarcopenia, atrial fibrillation, and nutrient interventions for metabolic disorders. Recent studies explore dietary galactose's programming effects on intestinal metabolism and the impact of NNT deficiency on cardiac health. His lab employs advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and Seahorse extracellular flux analysis to study metabolic pathways in humans and animal models. Publications emphasize mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic biomarkers, and translational models for aging and disease. His work bridges basic research and clinical applications, aiming to improve metabolic health through dietary and lifestyle interventions. Current initiatives include developing a human gut-on-a-chip model and validating integrative biomarkers for physical activity in adolescents.

• Energy metabolism
• Mitochondrial function
• Metabolic pathways
• +7 more

Alinda Berends is a Researcher and Teacher at the Pharmacology department within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University . Her work bridges virology, immunology, and glycobiology.

• Virology
• Immunology
• Glycobiology
• +4 more