Hellen Elissen

Hellen Elissen is a researcher at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in organic waste valorization through insect-based systems. Her work focuses on the application of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae for bioconversion of agricultural and biological waste streams, including pig manure and Sargassum seaweed.

• Active in agrivoltaics research for dual land-use optimization
• Collaborates internationally on biogas and composting technologies

Her research spans waste valorization, feedstock engineering, and sustainable food/feed production systems. Recent publications analyze the utilization of organic waste for insect rearing, frass properties, and digestate processing.

In media, Elissen has contributed expert commentary on agrivoltaics implementation challenges and mobile solar panel integration with farmland. She leads the EU-funded TALOS project (2024-2026) investigating operational cost efficiency in bioconversion systems.