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Radical transformation of food system needed to protect planet
Hannah van Zanten has been appointed personal professor in the chair of Farming Systems Ecology Group at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). With her chair, Van Zanten aims to contribute to the development of designing future-proof food systems. "Our current system is unsustainable; it depletes the earth's natural resources. This seriously threatens global food security for future generations," Van Zanten said.
She notes the global challenge of ensuring healthy food being available to all while protecting the health of the planet. "There are many different solutions, such as different eating patterns, waste reduction and improved production methods. By combining these types of solutions, today's complex problems can be effectively addressed," Van Zanten explains. Her chair examines what combinations of solutions lead to successful food system designs for the future, in which there is enough food for everyone without being predatory on the earth.
Richard Harrison, director at Plant Sciences Group: "I am very pleased with her appointment as a personal professor here at WUR. Hannah's dedication to developing improved food systems is a crucial step towards global food security and a healthy planet. Her team’s multidisciplinary approach gives direction to multiple stakeholders to achieve these goals. I look forward to the impact she will make in her new role internally and externally .”
Successful career
Hannah van Zanten graduated cum laude from Wageningen University in 2009 with a master's degree in Animal Science. Her PhD project at the Animal Production Systems group, focused on the environmental benefits of using residuals (products we cannot or will not eat) as animal feed - also completed cum laude. She then received the NWO Talent Scheme grant (VENI) assessing the role of animals in circular food systems. Her research showed that farm animals raised within a circular system can play an important role in feeding humans while reducing the impact on the environment.
To better understand the complexity of the food system, Van Zanten and her team developed the Circular Food Systems (CiFoS) model. In it, animal production, crop production, human nutrition and the environment are all connected. The model makes it possible to develop food systems that safeguard human and planetary health. Van Zanten received several awards such as the Global Foodshot prize. Since 2021, she has also been a visiting professor at Cornell University in the Global Development group.
Diversity within WUR
"Besides wanting to contribute to a greener, fairer world, I also want to contribute to inclusive leadership within WUR," Van Zanten says. Diversity in all areas such as gender and culture but also in terms of personal development. Creating space for everyone in which people work from their own intrinsic motivation and feel recognized and appreciated in what they do. I see 'recognition and reward’ as a huge opportunity to create a culture change within WUR – I’m highly motivated to contribute to that.