Consortium | Stakeholders

A multi-disciplinary team of scientists will be required to establish the connection of the impact of agriculture on the soil and plant microbiome and product quality with the consequences for the health of humans and the societal implications of this. Our consortium consists of a combination of scientists of different disciplines – plant and human biologists, data analysts and integration specialists and sociologists – reinforced with a large range of external partners and stakeholders, who we believe can together answer the complex questions that we want to address.

  1. University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Science (UvA)

    1. Prof. dr. ir. Harro Bouwmeester

      University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Science

      Harro Bouwmeesters’ group studies the chemical communication of plants with other organisms in the soil, including parasitic plants and micro-organisms and particularly the biosynthesis (by plants) and perception (by other organisms) of signalling molecules. The group is multi-disciplinary and cross-links with many of the UvA research groups on omics data generation and analysis, microbiology, plant physiology, causal relationship inference, soil and quantitative ecology, soil chemistry, analytical and organic chemistry. Together the different disciplines present in UvA create a perfect environment for research on host-microbiome interaction. The UvA Spearhead Systems Biology, headed by MiCRop associate Age Smilde, will focus on the host-microbiome interaction in plants and humans and particularly focus on the use of data analysis to support this biological research at UvA.

    2. Prof. dr. Age Smilde

      University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences

      I am leading a large systems biology research priority program of the Faculty regarding host-microbiome interactions. I am also involved in a UvA-research priority program around the oral microbiome.

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    3. Dr. Lemeng Dong

      University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Plant hormone biology

      As an assistant professor, I supervise PhD students, research, collaborate with other researchers in the consortium. My personal interest is to decode plant-microbiome languages and communications.

    4. Dr. Anna Heintz-Buschart

      University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Microbial Metagenmics

      I study microbial communities of people, plants and soils. These kinds of studies generate large volumes of DNA sequence data. I develop computational methods to find and statistically assess information on the microbes that is hidden in these big data. In the MicroHealth project, I am one of the principal investigators responsible for the analysis and integration of the data from the field and intervention studies.

    5. Michelle Zwart

      Technician

      As a technician, I support the work of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. In MicroHealth I will do field and greenhouse research into the effect of agricultural input on the plant microbiome and nutritional composition of several open field crops.

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    6. Jia Wenyi

      PhD student

      As professor Harro's PhD student, my research interest lies in vegetables rhizosphere microbiome. In MicroHealth project, I am responsible for analysing the effect of fertilizer use on the microbiome and nutritional composition of vegetable crops and investigating the underlying mechanisms.

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  2. University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

    1. Dr. Christian Bröer

      University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research

      As a sociologist I am interested in health at the intersection of everyday life and political, cultural and economic transformations. In MicroHealth I will be supervising the social scientific research. It is directed at the way MicroHealth interacts with farmers, consumers, policy-makers and scientists inside and outside of the project. In this way we study how a new farming technology and its impact develop in an interrelated and real-life manner.

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    2. Anne van Wieringen, MSc

      University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research

      As a PhD candidate, I will be focusing on the ways in which people deal with microbes on and in food in relation to health in everyday life and into the political dynamics surrounding the introduction of “healthy” products. I’m especially interested in the process of medicalization this entails, and its possible negative consequences in relation to inequality and the relationship between various citizens, science and the (food) industry. Alongside, I will reflect on the consortium in terms of framing emerging issues and identify political problems in the process to better understand normative underpinnings, blind spots, conflicts and learning processes.

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  3. Amsterdam UMC

    1. Dr. Hilde Herrema

      Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC

      My scientific interest lies in translational studies (combining computational, in vitro and (pre)clinical strategies) that aim to unravel the role of gut bacteria and their viruses in cardiometabolic diseases. I am involved as PI of WP2, in which we will study the effect of low-input versus high-input agricultural products on the human gut microbiome and health.

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    2. Prof. dr. Max Nieuwdorp

      Amsterdam University Medical Center

      Prof. dr. Max Nieuwdorp, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam is an internist endocrinologist who is involged in large microbiome (HELIUS and bariatric surgery) cohorts as well as working on human intervention studies with gutmicrobiota derived products.

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    3. Dr. Patrick A. de Jonge

      Amsterdam UMC, Department for Experimental Vascular Medicine

      I am a postdoctoral researcher involved in computational analyses of high-dimensional gut microbiome data, with a particular focus on bacteriophages. Within MicroHealth, I study the diet-dependent transfer of plant-based microbes to the human gut.

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    4. Alisa Allais

      PhD student

      As a PhD student in the Health section of MicroHealth, I will be studying the effect of high- and low- input agriculture on the human gut microbiome. My research interest lies in assessing how these farming strategies relates to the health status, through a combination of intervention studies, in vitro experiments as well as computational analysis (from HELIUS cohort).

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  4. Bejo Zaden B.V.

    1. Dr. Ir. E (Liesbeth). W. van der Heijden

      Bejo Zaden B.V., Seed Research, Warmenhuizen

      Bejo is a leading company in breeding, production, processing and sales of vegetable seeds. With operations in more than 30 countries, we are an internationally oriented family business. Our 2,200 employees are dedicated to developing the best vegetable varieties for the present and the future.

      Bejo wishes to contribute to the production of sufficient and healthy food by supporting professional vegetable growers worldwide. We do this by developing and marketing high-quality vegetable seeds and varieties that offer growers more yield security in the production of nutritious, healthy end products, now and in the future.

      Bejo operates as an innovative international business that continuously invests in research and development, adds value to the food production chain, and cooperates and shares knowledge with customers and partners on the basis of long-term relationships. We do our work with care and respect for nature, people and the environment.

      The research project “Healthy from soil to gut: the effect of the soil microbiome on human health (MicroHealth)” fits the interest of Bejo Zaden B.V. and we appreciate active participation in such a project.

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  5. Enza Zaden Research & Development B.V.

    1. Dr. Mathieu Pel

      Senior Researcher, Enza Zaden R&D B.V.

      I am the senior researcher responsible for the phytopathology projects on the leafy crops (Lettuce, Spinach, Endive, Radicchio & Fennel) and on beneficial microbes from a plant genetics perspective. In the KIC MicroHealth project, I represent Enza Zaden, a vegetable breeding company that is organizing field trials with various crops (Lettuce, Spinach, Carrots & Cabbage) meant to be studied in the framework of this project.

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    2. Bora Kim, MSc

      Researcher, Enza Zaden R&D B.V.

      I am a researcher in the Phytopathology Department at Enza Zaden, involved in various projects primarily focused on exploiting plant-beneficial microbe interactions in crop breeding and developing tools to investigate these interactions. I am excited to contribute to the KIC MicroHealth project alongside Mathieu.

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  6. Ekomenu B.V.

    1. Dr. Jack Stroeken

      CEO Ekomenu food for health

      Ekomenu supports the food menu’s that are being tested in the research.

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  7. Yakult

    1. Dr. Olaf F.A. Larsen

      Senior Manager Science and Management Team at Yakult Netherlands | Asst. Professor in One Health innovation at Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

      Olaf Larsen studied chemistry at the VU University Amsterdam and obtained a PhD in physics there as well. Following postdoctoral research in New York City and Amsterdam, he continued his career within industry. Olaf worked for ASML, TNO and as a consultant life sciences within various organizations. Since 2012 he is heading the Science department at Yakult Nederland B.V., and member of the Management Team. Since 2016, he is also part time Asst. Professor at the VU University focusing on One Health in relation to microbiota management, using various research techniques like computational modeling.

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    2. Dr. Bruno Pot

      Dr. Bruno Pot, Science Director Europe at Yakult Europe BV | Prof. dr. Food microbiology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

      I am a food microbiologist with strong interest in probiotic- and microbiota research. The MicroHealth project offers an interesting opportunity to explore the wider context and wider sources of microorganisms impacting the human microbiome. A project we cannot miss!

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  8. Danone

    1. Dr. Guus Roeselers

      Nutricia Research

      I am leading the gut microbiome research team at Danone’s global advanced health and science department focused on early life nutrition and medical nutrition. My team studies interactions between health, nutrition and the intestinal microbiome.

      Nutricia Research Centre for Specialized Nutrition, located in the Utrecht Science Park in the Netherlands is a state of the art Life Science innovation center for the development of new product concepts for Early Life Nutrition and Advanced Medical Nutrition. We create formulas that provide clinically substantiated health benefits to vulnerable consumers – infants, toddlers, elderly and patients.

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  9. Food transition Coalition (TcV)

    1. Ir. Zsuzsan Proos - Huijsmans

      Food Transition Coalition

      I am MSC Wageningen, a seasoned nutritionist and project leader at Food Transition Coalition (TcV) with a four-year track record in the realm of farmer and soil health. Recently, I obtained certification in "Changing the Game," and presently, I'm actively engaged in the outreach and validation aspects of the MicroHealth program. Serving as a linchpin in the Dutch food transition landscape, I contribute to the Food Transition Coalition (TcV), hold the position of program manager at ToekomstProef, and offer my expertise as a freelance consultant. I eagerly anticipate providing targeted feedback through the lens of transition science.

  10. Louis Bolk Institute

    1. Ir. Joost Lommens

      Researcher Agrobiodiversity & flows from soil to gut

      Joost Lommen' group studies the interaction between farmers business, microbiome of soil, plant and effects at the human health. The Louis Bolk Institute is an independent research institute in the fields of sustainable agriculture, nutrition and health. Together with partners, we develop scientific knowledge that can be applied both in the realm of policy and in practice. The Louis Bolk Institute is committed to a resilient, healthy and fair system of agriculture, food and human health. For more information see "News | Louis Bolk Institute" (right column)

  11. Udea B.V.

    1. Steven IJzerman

      QHSE Manager

      Udea is a wholesaler in organic products and mainly known as mother company of organic supermarket chain Ekoplaza. Our role is to support the research and communicate about the milestone.

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  12. Eosta B.V.

    1. Volkert Engelsman

      Reslience Hub | Eosta

      Uniting for impact, sustainable food systems, capitalising on health, social inclusion, resilient eco-systems.

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  13. Land- en Tuinbouw Organisatie Nederland (LTO)

    1. Ir. Peter Knippels

      LTO Netherlands

      Peter Knippels, policy officer healthy plants at LTO Nederland. LTO Nederland is the business organization for Dutch farmers and gardeners. LTO Nederland represents the interests of 35,000 members by working on a favorable business climate for farmers in the Netherlands and Europe. LTO Netherlands supports and connects entrepreneurs in the agricultural and horticultural sector. We are committed to healthy animals and plants and a healthy environment and are fully aware of important social challenges in the areas of climate, energy, water quality, nature and landscape.

      Agriculture and horticulture in the Netherlands have something to offer in view of these global, national and regional developments! A vital and liveable countryside in an increasingly urbanized environment. A robust economic sector, and also one of the last strong 'manufacturing sectors' in the Netherlands. A major strategic importance with a view to food security combined with stimulating knowledge and innovation in the field of agriculture and horticulture. At the bottom of the line, food remains the basic necessity of life. One of the spearheads is producing good and healthy food. Strong plants and resilient crops are the basis of good food. In other words, the craftsmanship of the farmer and gardener in combination with an eye for welfare, trade and resilience. This project contributes to knowledge that can be used by farmers and gardeners in more resilient cultivation systems. More information on LTO Nederland on www.lto.nl.

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  14. Vitalis

    1. Marcel van Diemen

      Vitalis

      My name is Marcel van Diemen and I am a plant breeder at Vitalis Biologische Zaden B.V. in Voorst. We are working daily on the development and production of resilient vegetable variety seeds for our organic clients worldwide. We do this together with the high-tech input of colleagues at Enza Zaden B.V., our mother company. The research on the Plant Microbiome is essential to us for our future development of more healthy varieties.

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    2. Aron Ortega

      Vitalis Biologische Zaden

      My name is Aron Ortega and since about 3 years now I am working as Junior Breeder & Technician at Vitalis Biologische Zaden. As a Junior Breeder, I am responsible for all the practical work around the breeding program of pumpkins. From preparation of sowing to evaluating and seed cleaning, I am involved in the whole breeding cycle. Besides my work in breeding, I am also involved in many of the research projects which Vitalis is participating in. I believe that doing research in the crops we do breeding in, allows us to better understand the traits we are selecting for or against and thus is crucial to make better decisions and thus better varieties. The study into the microbiome is a very interesting step for us to see what impact our crops but also our agricultural system has on the health of humans.

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  15. De Ceuster Meststoffen N.V. (DCM)

    1. Inge Hanssen

      R&D manager, DCM, Group De Ceuster

      DCM is a leading company in the development, production and marketing of organic plant nutrition and sustainable plant health products. DCM is headquartered in Belgium and member of the family-owned Group De Ceuster (GroupDC). DCM provides a large range of organic fertilisers composed of high quality side flows from the food industry. Using the DCM Minigran® technology, DCM produces a unique small, uniform and dust-free organic fertiliser granule composed of up to 15 different raw materials. In the biocontrol domain, DCM focuses on innovative, virus-based biocontrol strategies, such as the tomato vaccine PMV®-01 which is an EU-wide registered plant protection product, and the bacteriophage based biocontrol development platform PHACT®.

      As R&D manager at DCM, I am coordinating the product development program, in close collaboration with the researchers of the Scientia Terrae research institute. In our research program, healthy plant nutrition, sustainability, circularity, biological control and plant resilience are key focus points. In the Microhealth project, DCM will provide expertise on organic fertilisation and plant resilience.

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    2. Jornt Spit

      Scientia Terrae, Group De Ceuster

      As the program lead Fertilizer Products & Soil Health, my job is to develop new organic fertilizer products and explore the effects of DCM fertilizers on soils, substrates, and plants. An important focus of our work is not only optimizing crop growth, but also stimulating beneficial microbial soil life and aiming to increase soil health and plant resilience, which closely aligns with some of the objectives of the MicroHealth project.

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