Heidy den Besten

Prof. Heidy den Besten is a Personal Professor at the Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research. She holds dual BSc degrees in Food Technology and Mathematics, an MSc in Food Technology (cum laude) specializing in Food Safety, and a PhD from Wageningen University. Her research focuses on quantitative pathogen ecology, integrating functional genomics and mathematical modeling to study microbial behavior under stress conditions. She teaches in BSc and MSc Food Microbiology programs, supervising students at all academic levels. Recent work includes a €1M grant for studying pathogens in plant-based products.

• Education: BSc Food Tech/Mathematics → MSc Food Safety (cum laude) → PhD on Bacillus cereus stress responses
• Research: Combines molecular techniques, single-cell analysis, and computational models to understand microbial adaptability

Active in education: Leads courses such as Food Microbiology, Advanced Food Microbiology, and MSc thesis supervision. Involved in multiple research projects and internship coordination.