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.
Lisa Haushofer is an Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Humanities, Department of History. Her work bridges the histories of medicine, science, and food, focusing on the commercial, colonial, and ecological dimensions of nutritional culture. Fields of Interest: History of Medicine, History of Science, Food History, Nutrition History She authored the book Wonder Foods: The Science and Commerce of Nutrition (2022), which explores the intersection of nutritional science and global food systems in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Contact: lisa.haushofer@uva.nl . Follow her on Twitter and Bluesky for updates.
Jampel Dell'Angelo is an Associate Professor with ius promovendi in Water Governance and Politics at the Department of Environmental Policy Analysis, Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He holds concurrent roles as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley's Ecohydrology Lab, and an Environmental Governance Affiliate Scholar at SESYNC, Maryland. His research focuses on multilevel dimensions of water governance, climate adaptation in African irrigation systems, and transnational land investments' impacts. He leads the EU-funded NEWAVE project, coordinating 15 Early Stage Researchers across 10 institutions. Educated with a dual PhD in Environmental Science (Autonomous University of Barcelona) and International Cooperation (Sapienza University), he also holds advanced degrees from the LSE, Sapienza, Curtin, and the University of Siena. As Editor-in-Chief of World Development , he promotes interdisciplinary research on socio-environmental systems. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to clean water, sustainable cities, and responsible production. Research interests span water grabbing dynamics, socio-ecological resilience, and policy frameworks for equitable resource management. Recent projects address Mediterranean water scarcity solutions and the socio-political implications of global land rushes. He supervises PhD candidates exploring themes like water democracy, agrifood transitions, and environmental justice. Key contributions include pioneering analysis of 'water commons grabbing' and documenting the Global Water Grab Syndrome. His documentary work complements field research, such as Working Together: Research and Water Governance on Mount Kenya . Current projects emphasize innovative governance models and climate-resilient water management in transboundary contexts.
Prof. Peter H. Verburg is a Full Professor in Environmental Spatial Analysis at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, leading the Environmental Geography group within the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) under the Faculty of Science. He holds roles as a member of the Earth Commission and the Science-Policy Interface of UNCCD, and co-Editor-in-Chief of Landscape and Urban Planning . His work focuses on land use modeling, interdisciplinary research, and sustainability challenges, notably developing the globally used CLUE model. Education: PhD in Land Use Modelling (2000), Wageningen University MSc in Physical Geography (1996), Wageningen University Research Interests: His expertise includes land change analysis, spatial modeling, ecosystem services, and human-environment interactions. He employs methods from social sciences, econometrics, and earth sciences to address global issues like climate adaptation, sustainable city planning, and multi-functional land use. Recent projects emphasize small island resilience, European nature narratives, and food systems in urban and global contexts. Publications & Projects: With over 300 peer-reviewed articles and contributions to EU-funded initiatives such as BrightspotsCSA and CONtract SOLutions, his research bridges theory and policy. Recent publications highlight urban food interventions, spatial planning for island states, and climate impacts on agriculture. Awards: Highly Cited Researcher (top 1% in Web of Science) Advising & Grants: As a project leader and researcher in multiple grants, he supports sustainability transitions and climate-smart agriculture. He has advised through post-graduate courses and workshops on land use modeling and ecosystem services. His work emphasizes practical applications of research to decision-making frameworks. Labs/Teams: He leads the Environmental Geography group at IVM, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing land system change research globally.
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
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.
Prof. Koert van Ittersum is a Professor of Marketing and Consumer Well-Being at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen (since 2013). He holds a PhD from Wageningen University (2001) and previously worked at the University of Illinois and Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on consumer behavior, particularly linking marketing strategies to consumer well-being through healthier and sustainable diets. Key collaborations include the Centre for Public Health in Economics and Business and the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health (RUG). Research interests center on consumer psychology, health, sustainability, and spending behaviors. Notable projects involve interventions with Dutch retailers to reduce food waste via transparency tools and studying decision-making dynamics in grocery shopping. Recent work explores self-control mechanisms, pride/guilt effects, and health-promoting digital interventions. Publications span journals like Journal of Consumer Research , Annals of Internal Medicine , and Preventive Medicine , addressing topics from food waste to mHealth adoption. His work bridges academic research with real-world applications in public health and retail strategy.
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.
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.
Professor Peter Verhoef is a renowned academic at the University of Groningen, serving as a Professor of Marketing and Director of the University of Groningen Business School. He earned his PhD from the Erasmus School of Economics. His research focuses on customer management, loyalty, and consumer behavior in contexts such as organic product purchasing and digital transformation. Notably, Verhoef received the 2013 Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Award and the 2009 Harold M. Maynard Award, marking him as a leading figure in marketing research. He also chairs the Advisory Council for the Customer Centre of the Dutch Banking Association (NVB). Education: PhD from Erasmus School of Economics Affiliations: Director of University of Groningen Business School, Chair at NVB Research Interests: Verhoef’s work bridges academic rigor and practical applications. He investigates how digital transformation impacts businesses, explores consumer responses to privacy practices, and analyzes the effects of marketing strategies on customer retention. His findings often challenge conventional wisdom, such as demonstrating that 'light' products do not aid weight loss. Recent studies emphasize omnichannel retailing, privacy calculus, and the business value of SME digitalization. Awards: His accolades include the Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Award for groundbreaking work on CRM efforts and the Harold M. Maynard Award for best paper in the Journal of Marketing. These prizes underscore his global influence in marketing academia. Grants & Teams: While specific grants are not detailed, his leadership roles suggest involvement in large-scale research projects. Collaborative work with institutions like the SOM Research School and contributions to interdisciplinary initiatives (e.g., digital transformation frameworks) highlight his team-oriented approach. Labs/Teams: Active in the University of Groningen Business School’s marketing department, he collaborates with researchers like Dong J.Q., Nguyen D.K., and Eggers F., focusing on data analytics, customer experience, and privacy-related challenges.
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).
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.
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.
J.A.M.J.L. Janssen is a Researcher in the Department of Internal Medicine at Erasmus MC, a leading academic medical center in the Netherlands. The research profile indicates active contributions to the fields of endocrinology, metabolism, and molecular medicine. The research interests of J.A.M.J.L. Janssen center on metabolic syndrome , type 2 diabetes , ectopic fat deposition , hyperinsulinemia , and the insulin/IGF-I signaling pathway . Additional focus includes receptor pharmacology , particularly the interplay between IGF-I and TSH receptors in thyroid eye disease. Research also extends to overnutrition , ultra-processed foods , and the metabolic consequences of Westernization. These interests are reflected in a high volume of recent review articles and commentaries in prominent journals. The recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward synthesizing evidence on metabolic dysregulation, advocating for paradigm shifts in diabetes management, and exploring molecular mechanisms of disease. Work frequently appears in journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences and The Lancet Regional Health - Europe , indicating high impact and policy relevance. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, the research has been cited extensively (e.g., 38 citations for a 2022 article) and picked up by multiple news outlets and blogs, suggesting recognition in both academic and public spheres. J.A.M.J.L. Janssen has supervised at least three research projects, as indicated by the 'Supervised Work (3)' metric, though specific student names and grant details are not available. The scholarly output includes collaborations with international researchers, such as L. Girnita and T.J. Smith. The research is conducted within the Department of Internal Medicine at Erasmus MC, with no additional lab or team structure described in the text.
Dorota Kawa is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , specializing in Plant Stress Resilience and Experimental and Computational Plant Development . Her research focuses on plant-microbiome interactions, root development under stress, and bioinformatics approaches to enhance crop sustainability. Education : PhD in Plant Physiology and Cell Biology (2017, University of Amsterdam) MSc in Plant Biotechnology (2011, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) BSc in Biotechnology (2010, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) Research Interests span plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, microbiome-driven root cell modifications, and computational modeling of development. She investigates how microbial communities and genetic pathways regulate root metabolomes and cellular traits, particularly under salt and drought stress. Publication Trends show her work centers on Striga resistance in cereal crops, stress-induced root architecture changes , and microbiome-root interactions . She explores auxin-independent signaling and mRNA decay mechanisms to improve multi-stress resilience. Teaching includes courses on plant development and research design at Utrecht University. Her work contributes to Pathways to Sustainability and Future Food initiatives.
