Clara Belzer

Clara Belzer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MolEco) within the VLAG Faculty (Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences) at Wageningen University & Research. Her research focuses on the gut microbiota, host-microbiota interactions, probiotics, and their implications for human health. She leads projects investigating the therapeutic potential of Akkermansia muciniphila, synbiotic interventions after antibiotic use, and the role of microbiota in diseases like cow's milk allergy and colorectal cancer. Dr. Belzer collaborates extensively with medical centers and industry partners, contributing to public health initiatives such as the Buikbelang campaign.

Her academic work spans over 160 publications, including studies in Nature Reviews Microbiology and BMC Pediatrics. She supervises PhD candidates in projects like the TOBBI trial (synbiotic effects post-antibiotics) and the MELK study (human milk composition). Notably, her lab has pioneered genomic analyses of Akkermansia muciniphila and contributed datasets on microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions.

Dr. Belzer’s research integrates microbiology, immunology, and nutritional science, with a focus on translational applications. She actively engages in public science communication through media contributions, emphasizing the importance of gut microbiome research for public health.