Gerrit Grijns Fund
Gerrit Grijns Fund
Nutrition plays a key role in both personal health and the future of people and planet. Yet many fundamental questions remain unanswered. Which types of nutrition truly help people live healthier lives? How can dietary advice better align with the needs of different target groups? And how can we link health and sustainability in the transition towards more plant based diets?
The Gerrit Grijns Fund is a new thematic fund of University Fund Wageningen that stimulates groundbreaking research, education and entrepreneurship at the intersection of nutrition, food and health. The fund is named after Wageningen professor Gerrit Grijns, co discoverer of vitamin B1 and a founding father of modern nutritional science. The initiative comes from two of his great grandsons, who seek to continue his scientific legacy and put it to work in a future oriented way.
Committee of Recommendation
The Gerrit Grijns Fund is supported by a Committee of Recommendation. The committee consists of leading experts in the fields of nutrition, health, science and societal impact who endorse the fund’s ambitions. By lending their names and networks to the fund, they contribute to its visibility, credibility and broad support.
Composition of the Committee of Recommendation as of January 2026
Edith Feskens - Dean of Research and Professor of Global Nutrition, Wageningen University & Research
- Louise O. Fresco - Former President of the Executive Board of Wageningen University & Research; scientist, author and non executive board member
- Maaike Groot - Global Head of Communications, Public and Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability, East West Seed
- Jacqueline Pieters - Chair of University Fund Wageningen; former Executive Food & Agribusiness, Rabobank
- Saskia Osendarp - Executive Director, Micronutrient Forum
- Sander Kersten – Director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences and Schleifer Family Professor, Cornell University
Why now?
Fundamental research and bold ideas often struggle to access conventional funding, while today’s nutrition and health related challenges demand immediate action. What is lacking is sufficient financial support. The Gerrit Grijns Fund aims to change this. Its ambition is to mobilise €2 million over four years for ideas and initiatives with the potential to achieve major scientific and societal breakthroughs.
Through his discoveries, Gerrit Grijns transformed the lives of many millions of people. Thanks to his perseverance and out of the box thinking, he became a pioneer in nutritional science. Your support can have a similar impact today. With your contribution, researchers and students in Wageningen gain the space to push boundaries, develop new knowledge and create impact on a global scale. In doing so, you directly contribute to solutions for urgent challenges in nutrition and health.
Would you like to learn more about the background of Gerrit Grijns, the objectives of the fund and the ways in which you can contribute? Please read the brochure about the Gerrit Grijns Fund or contact us.
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