News and insights

From PFAS in food crops to groundwater protection: eight WUR researchers awarded Vidi grants

Eight researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) have been awarded Vidi grants by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) this year. With Vidi funding of up to 850,000 euros, these talented researchers can further develop their own line of research and set up or expand their own research group.

Cranes on the move: improved Crane Radar brings scientists and birdwatchers together

Birdwatchers beware! The next few weeks are all about crane migration. When the wind is just right, sometimes thousands of "cranes" fly over the Netherlands. But even with those numbers, it is not easy to spot them. That is why Dr Koen de Koning, in collaboration with Sensing Clues, developed an app that works as a 'rainfall radar for cranes'. This makes spotting a lot easier.

New insights into the spread of West Nile virus in the Netherlands

PhD research by Mariken de Wit at Wageningen University & Research provides new insights into mosquito-borne virus transmission, helping to improve surveillance and preparedness for future outbreaks across Europe.

European rivers retain far more plastic than they carry to the sea

WUR research across 8,600 European river basins shows most plastic remains on land or in rivers. The Rhine ranks among Europe's most plastic-polluted rivers.

First poultry farm tests positive for avian influenza

Avian influenza has been detected at a laying hen farm in Lutjegast. The presence of the virus has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research. This is the first outbreak of the 2026/2027 avian influenza season.

Micro-organisms show promise for reducing emissions from manure

The microbial product Kopros may help reduce methane and ammonia emissions from dairy cattle housing, shows researcher Herman de Boer.

From PFAS in food crops to groundwater protection: eight WUR researchers awarded Vidi grants

Eight researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) have been awarded Vidi grants by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) this year. With Vidi funding of up to 850,000 euros, these talented researchers can further develop their own line of research and set up or expand their own research group.

Research into the hidden mechanisms behind cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure

Deli Zhang of Wageningen University & Research is investigating a possible shared mechanism behind atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Her research, supported by a Vidi grant from the NWO Talent Programme, could pave the way for new approaches to preventing and treating these heart conditions.

Major international research programme to accelerate breeding of climate-resilient crops

The international TRITON research programme, coordinated by Wageningen University & Research, has received $50 million to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops using AI and gene editing.

Vidi grant for research into groundwater resources under climate change

WUR researcher Inge de Graaf receives an NWO Vidi grant to study how climate change affects groundwater, food production and the environment.

Protecting snow leopards in Nepal? There's an app for that

How can technology protect snow leopards? WUR researchers use predictive modelling to reduce conflicts between herders and snow leopards in Nepal.

Royal honour for WUR researcher Jan Hassink

Jan Hassink was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his outstanding scientific and societal contributions, particularly in the field of care farming.

Dutch historic salt marsh landscapes are robust and climate-resilient

A large-scale experiment shows that salt marshes remain largely intact during extreme storm surges and can contribute to natural coastal protection.

WUR first university to receive PSO recognition for inclusive employment

Wageningen University & Research is the first university in the Netherlands to have achieved step 1 on the Prestatieladder Socialer Ondernemen, the Netherlands' leading quality mark for social entrepreneurship.

New insights into the spread of West Nile virus in the Netherlands

PhD research by Mariken de Wit at Wageningen University & Research provides new insights into mosquito-borne virus transmission, helping to improve surveillance and preparedness for future outbreaks across Europe.

The best bull for reducing methane

Which bull is the best choice for reducing methane emissions? Researchers Yvette de Haas and Hilde van den Hoorn have calculated how much of a difference this could make in the coming years.

Six teams take the next step after the Food Systems Innovation Challenge 2026

The Food Systems Innovation Challenge 2026 reached its finale in Wageningen, but the work continues.

COP17: We are doing more than ever for biodiversity worldwide, but it is not enough yet

Nature conservation specialist Jelle Behagel explains what's on the agenda at the CBD COP17, the UN biodiversity summit that will start on 19 October.

Sensor measurements prove reliable for measuring emissions from dairy barns

WUR research shows that sensors reliably measure ammonia and methane emissions from dairy barns, offering opportunities for long-term emissions monitoring.

Many claims about water savings in maize and wheat are insufficiently substantiated

A WUR study finds that only 10 per cent of 208 field experiments provide sufficient data to assess water productivity in maize and wheat.

Chimpanzee research helps secure international recognition for the Boé

After 20 years of chimpanzee research, Boé in Guinea-Bissau is recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area, while plans for bauxite mining threaten the region.

Measuring wildfire plumes to predict extreme fire behaviour

WUR research shows how interactions between wildfire plumes and the atmosphere can help predict sudden changes in fire behaviour and extreme wildfires.

FAO recognises Utrecht University and WBVR as a reference centre for antimicrobial resistance

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has designated Utrecht University (UU) and Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) as a ‘FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance’.

Agri-food Monitor 2026: Consumers cautiously embrace AI in the Dutch food chain

Consumers are cautiously positive about AI-use in the agri-food sector. At the same time, they do not trust the use of AI unreservedly, and food produced with the help of AI is sometimes perceived as less ‘natural’.

A new pathway toward a more sustainable groundwater future

Groundwater is essential for agriculture, ecosystems and drinking water. In many agricultural areas, more water is being pumped than is being replenished, putting pressure on water supplies and ecosystems.

CIBIA, a new Wageningen facility, helps bring food innovations into practice

Wageningen University & Research has opened CIBIA, a new facility where food innovations can be developed, tested and scaled up more quickly. It brings technology, product development and consumer evaluation together.

New European research project on PFAS alternatives for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors kicks off

The PFAROS consortium aims to support the transition towards a PFAS-free pharmaceutical and medical sector. WUR brings expertise in materials development, toxicology and water treatment.

Growing flowers without fossil fuels?

Wageningen researchers are experimenting with cultivation techniques and methods that can bring growers ever closer to the emission-free greenhouse.

What would it take to bring rural biodiversity back?

From more diverse fields to living rivers, Dutch initiatives show how nature can recover.

From green waste to sunscreen

WUR researches how lignin from discarded green waste, grass from roadside verges, and reeds can be used as a raw material for asphalt, glue and cosmetics.

'Biodiversity is our first line of defence against climate change'

From biodiversity loss to climate change, our ecological and societal crises are deeply interconnected. At COP17 in Armenia and COP31 in Türkiye, countries will discuss how to address these challenges. Wageningen scientists argue that both issues must be tackled together: the climate crisis is a biodiversity crisis, and vice versa.

Farmers and supermarkets yield profits on organic-labeled products

Organic farming is often not profitable. The higher retail price of organic products does not compensate for farmers’ higher production costs, as the Agro-Nutri Monitor shows. Products carrying other sustainability labels tend to perform better.

Agriculture that requires less water: quinoa spin-off builds on WUR expertise

Quinoa as a climate-resilient crop? Radicle Crops and WUR are developing resilient crops that can be cultivated in more places around the world.

COP17: The crucial role of Indigenous Peoples in nature conservation

Indigenous Peoples’ role in nature conservation is gaining recognition. At COP17, attention turns to how this is reflected in policy and practice.

The orchard of the future will be data-driven

Researchers Pieter van Dalfsen and Peter Frans de Jong explain how precision fruit cultivation works

Real behavioural change calls for major interventions

Wageningen University & Research is investigating how behavioural interventions can have a greater impact by taking a different approach to behavioural science.

Health inequality starts long before a doctor gets involved

A growing field of research within the social sciences at Wageningen University & Research looks beyond the impact of healthcare on people’s health to examine underlying environmental factors as well.

A Synergy for Ghanaian Cocoa: SoilPulse AI and DeepLeaf Join Forces

Two African agritech companies are combining their technologies to help cocoa farmers in Ghana.

The ecosystem of organic farming: finding room and direction to grow

While researching measures to support the growth of organic farming in the Netherlands, Lan van Wassenaer discovered countless persistent assumptions.

A sandpit as a bridge between science and practice

Research is yielding a range of natural solutions to climate change. But how do you move them from paper to practice?

Three key approaches in the fight against West Nile virus

WUR researchers explore three ways to tackle West Nile virus: vaccines, boosting mosquito immunity and better protection against mosquito bites.

Fields with trees are cooler and possibly more profitable

How could farmers make smart use of this agroforestry to benefit their cows and improve the bottom line? ‘Drones to detect heat stress in livestock.’

Living on Mars without leaving Earth

Brazilian astrobiologist Rebeca Gonçalves spent two weeks at the remote station, studying how vegetables could be grown on Mars.

Gardeners see which crop combinations work best

Which crops grow better when next to each other and why? In the MoestuinMix project, amateur gardeners collect data on growth, yields and insects on their crops.

A climate-resilient Netherlands: WUR's response to the 2026 National Climate Adaptation Strategy

Wageningen University & Research shares its insights and recommendations for the National Climate Adaptation Strategy 2026 (NAS ’26). Drawing on a range of scientific expertise, WUR sees opportunities to further strengthen the strategy and make it more concrete.

How do we share landscapes with wildlife?

As wolves, beavers and large grazers return to the Netherlands, WUR experts explore how people and wildlife can learn to coexist.

How to make the animal feed of the future

Together with partners, Wageningen University & Research is investigating the feed of the future.

Why regenerative agriculture needs data

Regenerative approaches are gaining ground as agriculture becomes more focused on sustainability. They focus on restoring soils and nature while ensuring a viable business model for farmers.

Bird flu in cows: should we be worried?

In the US, humans became infected during an outbreak of bird flu among cattle. Could that happen in Europe too?

Corporate accountability: what is the human and environmental cost of doing business?

How can companies be held accountable for their impact on people, climate and biodiversity? Research explores law, governance and responsibility.

Why food transitions get stuck – and how we can get them moving again

WUR researchers Bart de Steenhuijsen Piters and Anne-Charlotte Hoes explain where the resistance against transitions come from and how you can steer change.

Cellular agriculture

Cultivated meat and fish, and animal-free dairy products are rapidly becoming viable alternatives to animal-based products and could significantly reshape our future protein supply.

Drought

Wageningen University & Research studies the impact drought has on agriculture, nature and living circumstances.

Wildfires

Wageningen University & Research conducts research into the effects of forest fires, heathland fires and roadside fires on nature. For example, the causes of erosion and flooding after a wildfire are being investigated. Researchers in Wageningen also provide advice to authorities, enabling them to focus on the rapid restoration of ground-covering vegetation after a wildfire. This helps the soil remain as intact as possible and recover quickly.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is an essential building block for life, but high nitrogen deposition on natural areas causes biodiversity loss.

Wolves

After an absence of approximately 150 years, the wolf has re-established itself in the Netherlands. This dossier provides you with the latest news, background information and results of Wageningen University & Research on wolves in the Netherlands.

Bird flu

On this page, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WVBR) informs you about the latest bird flu (avian influenza) developments in the Netherlands. This research institute performs diagnostics for bird flu and advises the Dutch government on preventive measures.

Methane

Dutch livestock farmers have already made considerable strides towards a sustainable livestock sector. A critical task, as one of the climate agreement goals, is to further reduce the emission of methane (CH4).