On 8 January, Elly Mertens successfully defended her thesis Towards healthy and environmentally sustainable diets for European consumers at Wageningen University. Her thesis is a product of the ‘SHARP-Basic’: SHARP stands for Sustainable, Healthy, Affordable, Reliable and Preferable diets.

Combining different textures in one food product enhances palatability. This is the conclusion from research by TiFN scientist, and Italian chef, Dr Marco Santagiuliana, who successfully defended his thesis at Wageningen University, December 16th 2019.

Preventing cognitive decline, and high-tech solutions for eco-based farming are the themes of two cross-over research projects funded by the Netherlands Scientific Organisation (NWO). TiFN is a partner, contributing its renowned experience in public-private collaborations.

Consumer beliefs about sustainable packaging differ significantly from reality. Dr Nigel Steenis suggests manufacturers think extremely carefully about consumer perception before market launch. Steenis successfully defended his PhD thesis, at Wageningen University & Research, November 5th 2019.

Restoring biodiversity in the Netherlands is the aim of a broad coalition including knowledge institutes, agricultural representatives, companies and NGOs. As a partner, TiFN will share its knowledge on regenerative business models, public-private partnerships and transdisciplinary solutions.

Does reduced exposure to sweetness induce a lower preference for sweet items, reduce sugar and energy intake and, perhaps, also body weight? This question will be answered in a TiFN project with nine industry and research partners.