Hannah van Zanten

Hannah van Zanten is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University and an Associate Professor at Wageningen University’s Farming Systems Ecology group. She leads the circular food systems project, focusing on sustainable food production within planetary boundaries. Her research emphasizes integrating livestock systems into circular economies to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring food security.

Dr. van Zanten holds a Master’s (2009) and PhD (cum laude) in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University. She developed the CiFoS model for co-designing circular food systems and has received prestigious grants including the NWO VENI and Global FoodShot Prize. Her work bridges environmental science, agricultural policy, and stakeholder collaboration to advance global food system sustainability.

Key research areas include protein cycles, livestock system optimization, and circular bioeconomy principles. Her studies explore innovative feed sources (e.g., black soldier fly larvae) and policy frameworks for transitioning to sustainable diets and reducing agricultural dependencies on soy and other resource-intensive inputs.

Scientific awards include the NWO Talent Scheme grant (VENI) for assessing animal roles in circular systems and the 2021 Global FoodShot Prize for food system innovation. She advises on EU food policies and collaborates internationally to align food systems with Sustainable Development Goals.