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.
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
Professor Roland J. Pieters is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, where he serves as a full Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. With over two decades of experience at the institution, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1998) to Associate Professor (2005) and ultimately to Full Professor (2010-present). His research group is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work at the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with particular emphasis on developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial infections and pathogenic mechanisms. Full Professor, Utrecht University (2010-present) Associate Professor, Utrecht University (2005-2010) Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (1998-2005) NWO Talent Post-doctoral Fellow, ETH-Zürich (1995-1996) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Groningen (1996-1998) Professor Pieters earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen in 1990, where he worked with Professor Ben Feringa, and completed his Ph.D. at MIT in 1995 under the supervision of Professor Julius Rebek Jr. His doctoral research focused on molecular recognition and template effects in bisubstrate systems, establishing the foundation for his lifelong interest in molecular interactions. Professor Pieters' research primarily centers on glycodrugs and the strategic interference with protein-carbohydrate interactions using multivalent systems of varying architectures. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how rigid spacers in multivalent ligands can dramatically enhance binding affinity to target proteins, with applications against viral and bacterial adhesion proteins, toxins, galectins, and glycosidases. A particular focus has been on developing inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecA, cholera toxin, influenza virus hemagglutinin, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with host cell receptors. His group also pioneered the use of glyco- and peptide-microarrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions and drug discovery, particularly in the area of O-GlcNAcylation research. The publication record of Professor Pieters demonstrates consistent innovation in the field of multivalent carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His recent work (2020-2024) shows a strategic expansion into viral pathogenesis (particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2), immune modulation through glycan recognition, and novel approaches to vaccine development. A notable trend is the increasing sophistication of multivalent architectures, moving from simple divalent systems to tetra- and hexavalent ligands with precisely engineered spatial arrangements. His research bridges fundamental chemical principles with practical therapeutic applications, maintaining strong connections to pharmaceutical development while advancing basic science understanding of carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. Professor Pieters' scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including a Fellowship from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 1999 and a VICI personal grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in 2008. These competitive awards reflect the significance and innovation of his research program. He has also served on editorial advisory boards, notably as Section Editor-in-Chief for Chemical Biology in the journal Molecules (2018-2022), contributing to the scholarly community through peer review and academic leadership. Fellowship of Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), 1999 VICI, personal grant, NWO, 2008 Section Editor-in-Chief Chemical Biology for Molecules (2018-2022) Throughout his career, Professor Pieters has coordinated significant research projects including the EU project POLYCARB and secured competitive funding that has sustained his innovative research program. His laboratory has fostered numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally, creating a vibrant research environment that has trained many scientists now working in academia and industry. His research on multivalent carbohydrate systems represents a sustained intellectual contribution to chemical biology with direct relevance to developing new anti-infective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Professor Pieters leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, situated in the David de Wied Building. His laboratory maintains strong connections with other research groups both within Utrecht University and internationally, particularly in the fields of glycobiology, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. The research environment he has cultivated emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and biological testing to address fundamental questions in carbohydrate-mediated biological processes with therapeutic applications.
Prof. Hannah Dugdale is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen, leading the Dugdale group - Evolutionary Medicine . Her research bridges evolutionary genetics, animal behavior, and microbiome ecology, focusing on wild vertebrate populations. University: University of Groningen School: Faculty of Science and Engineering Academic Rank: Associate Professor Research Interests: Telomere dynamics and aging Gut microbiome evolution Cooperative breeding mechanisms Environmental stress impacts Population genetics Behavioral ecology Article Trends: Her recent work examines telomere length as a biomarker for survival, gut microbiome effects on fitness, and climate/predation impacts on avian populations. Studies often employ long-term ecological datasets and genomic analyses. Grants & Projects: Involved in 14 funded projects, including environmental buffering hypotheses and microbiome research. Collaborates extensively with Prof. Terry Burke (University of Sheffield) and Prof. Jan Komdeur (University of Groningen). Labs & Teams: Leads the Dugdale group in Evolutionary Medicine, collaborating with international teams on vertebrate population studies. Research spans fieldwork, genetic analysis, and ecological modeling.
Detmer Sipkema is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the VLAG WIMEK faculty and the Department of Molecular Ecology. His research focuses on microbial ecology, marine biology, and biotechnology, particularly in aquaculture systems and sponge symbionts. He leads projects on metabolic modeling of marine bacteria, ecological impacts of seaweed farming, and probiotics development for aquaculture. Key research interests include microbial diversity, anaerobic digestion in aquaculture waste, and applications of artificial intelligence in microbial studies. He has supervised multiple PhD candidates exploring topics like microbial symbiosis, gut microbiota dynamics, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His work integrates multi-omics approaches, environmental microbiology, and bioprospecting for novel bioactive compounds. Sipkema has published widely on sponge microbiomes, anaerobic processes, and aquaculture sustainability. His datasets include bacterial community analyses from sponges and microalgae, contributing to understanding symbiotic relationships and biotechnological applications.
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.
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.
Adriaan van der Graaf is a researcher at the University of Groningen's University Medical Center Groningen. His work primarily focuses on the intersection of genetics and microbiome research, with significant contributions to understanding how host genetics influences the gut microbiome and how genetic factors interact with lifestyle elements like sleep to affect health outcomes such as blood pressure. His research interests include: Genetics and Genomics Gut Microbiome Research Mendelian Randomization Genome-wide Association Studies Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health Sleep Research Population Genetics Van der Graaf has made substantial contributions to large-scale genetic studies, particularly through his involvement in the Dutch Microbiome Project and the Million Veteran Program. His recent work has focused on understanding gene-environment interactions, especially how sleep duration modifies genetic effects on blood pressure across diverse populations. His research on host genetics and the gut microbiome has been published in high-impact journals like Nature Genetics, with his 2022 paper accumulating over 280 citations. His scientific work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being. Van der Graaf actively collaborates with numerous international research groups, as evidenced by his participation in large consortia involving hundreds of researchers across multiple countries.
Geert Wiegertjes is a Full Professor at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in Aquaculture and Fisheries . With over 351 research outputs and 25 active or completed projects, his work focuses on fish immunology, disease resistance, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Key Research Areas: Immunology, fish physiology, teleost immune systems, and microbiome interactions. Notable Contributions: Discovery of behavioral fever's role in fish immunity, B cell dynamics in carp, and algal extract-based immune stimulation. Research Trends: His recent articles emphasize genomic and immunological approaches to understanding fish disease resistance (e.g., CyHV-3 infection), mucosal immunity, and sustainable aquaculture through microbiome modulation and parasite protocols. Scientific Awards: Mosaic 2.0 grant/NWO (2022) Supervision: Mentored 13 PhD students, including Lisette Bouwman, Mehwish Ahmed, and Laura Binch. Collaborations: Active in international networks, with recent collaborations spanning fish genomics, maternal immunity, and European Green Deal initiatives.
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.
Soumya Kar is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research , specializing in animal nutrition and gut health. Their work bridges microbiome analysis, alternative protein development, and stress adaptation in livestock. Key Research Areas: Gut microbiome interactions, methane emission reduction in dairy cattle, intestinal integrity in broilers, epigenetic responses to heat stress, and insect-based feed alternatives. Notable Projects include leading 'Coupling gut metabolome to microbiome' and 'MicroBiome @ WUR.nl'. Their research has been featured in Frontiers in Microbiomes and Frontiers in Veterinary Science , with datasets on amine metabolites and endotoxin exposure. Collaborations span Wageningen teams and international partners, focusing on sustainable livestock systems and protein alternatives like black soldier fly larvae. Their work appears in 54 total research outputs, including 23 peer-reviewed articles.
Bregje Wertheim serves as Full Professor at the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, specializing in insect-microbe symbiosis with particular focus on house flies, mosquitoes, and agricultural pests like Spotted Wing Drosophila. Her research centers on gut microbiome dynamics where she investigates how environmental stressors (notably high-sugar diets) disrupt probiotic communities in insect larvae. This work bridges Entomology and Microbial Ecology , revealing critical vulnerabilities in insect-microbe mutualisms with implications for biological pest control. Current projects examine mosquito ecology surveillance systems and microbiome-based interventions against invasive fruit fly species. Recent publications demonstrate her leadership in identifying diet-induced probiotic loss mechanisms in housefly models, establishing foundational knowledge for manipulating insect microbiomes in agricultural and public health contexts. Professor Wertheim actively supervises PhD candidate Alkema, J. on Spotted Wing Drosophila biocontrol research while co-leading the 'Mosquito Ecology and Surveillance' project through 2026, securing ongoing research funding for entomological applications of microbiome science. Based at the Laboratory of Entomology, her work integrates field ecology with molecular microbiology to develop novel pest management strategies grounded in microbial community dynamics.
Dr. Carlo Ferri Marini is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen. He holds a PhD cum laude from the University of Urbino, with additional studies at Colorado Mesa University and University College Dublin. His research focuses on optimizing exercise testing and prescription in healthy and clinical populations, particularly in aerobic and resistance exercise physiology. He collaborates internationally and serves as an Academic Editor for BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation and PeerJ . Key areas of research include exercise intensity methods, lifestyle interventions for breast cancer survivors, and cardiometabolic health. Notable projects include the MOVIS clinical trial on exercise and nutrition programs for cancer survivors and the TRIPL-A trial for type 2 diabetes management. His work emphasizes improving the benefit-to-risk ratio of physical activity through evidence-based approaches. Dr. Marini’s recent publications explore topics such as pedaling cadence effects on metabolic responses, gut microbiota changes in breast cancer survivors, and the validity of exercise intensity metrics. He also investigates the role of exercise in mitigating tumorigenic activity and enhancing quality of life in clinical populations. Collaborations span institutions globally, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary research. His research has been featured in journals like Scientific Reports , European Journal of Sport Science , and Frontiers in Oncology . Dr. Marini is affiliated with the SMART Movements research group, advancing knowledge in movement sciences and health. His work bridges clinical and applied research, aiming to translate findings into practical guidelines for improving public health outcomes.
Professor Rinse Weersma is a Full Professor and Gastroenterologist at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, and works at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He leads research in the Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI), focusing on inflammatory bowel diseases and the gut microbiome. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI) Professor Weersma's research primarily centers on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with a strong emphasis on understanding the role of the gut microbiome, genetic factors, and immune responses. His work bridges gastroenterology, immunology, and microbiology to develop better diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for IBD patients. He has pioneered research on how diet, environmental factors, and host genetics interact to influence disease development and progression. Analysis of Professor Weersma's recent publications (2025) reveals a strong trend toward multi-omics approaches to understanding inflammatory bowel diseases. His research integrates microbiome analysis, genetic studies, and clinical data to identify biomarkers for disease prediction and treatment response. Key themes include the relationship between gut microbiome composition and IBD, gene-environment interactions, and the application of advanced statistical methods to dietary and clinical data. His work has significant implications for personalized medicine approaches in gastroenterology. Rising Star Award (2011) Professor Weersma actively supervises PhD students including Marjolein Klaassen and Laura Bolte, focusing on gut microbiome research in inflammatory bowel diseases. His research is supported by multiple collaborative projects including the 1000IBD project, which has generated extensive multi-omics data from IBD patients. He frequently collaborates with international research teams across Europe and has contributed to major studies on liver transplantation and microbiome interactions. His work has been funded through various national and international grants supporting gastrointestinal research. Professor Weersma leads research within the Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI), which brings together experts in gastroenterology, immunology, genetics, and microbiome research. His team collaborates extensively through the TransplantLines Investigators consortium and participates in large-scale international research initiatives studying inflammatory bowel diseases across diverse populations.
André Uitterlinden is a Full Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Erasmus MC, a leading academic medical center in the Netherlands. His research is highly influential in the fields of genetics, genomics, and population health, with a particular focus on bone metabolism, vitamin D, and complex disease etiology. His research interests span genetics, genomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), bone density, osteoporosis, metabolic health, gut microbiome, and translational medicine. He employs integrative approaches combining genomic, epigenomic, metabolomic, and microbiome data to unravel the biological basis of aging-related and metabolic disorders. Recent publications highlight a strong trend in large-scale genetic and multi-omics studies, particularly in osteoarthritis, serum lipids, atypical femur fractures, and the interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolic or cognitive health. His work often involves massive cohort studies and international collaborations, reflecting a systems-level approach to understanding human disease. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his frequent publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and The Lancet Regional Health - Europe indicate significant recognition in the scientific community. He has supervised 34 research projects, indicating active mentorship and involvement in training the next generation of researchers. His work is supported by major population cohorts such as the LifeLines Cohort Study, underscoring the importance of longitudinal data in his research program. André Uitterlinden is a key figure in the fields of genetic epidemiology and translational genomics, leading research that bridges molecular mechanisms with population-level health outcomes.
