Alida Melse appointed Chairholder of Global Nutrition at Wageningen University & Research

Millions of people consume sufficient calories every day, yet still suffer from deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A. This form of malnutrition, known as hidden hunger, can lead to a substantial disease burden and is the focus of the research of scientist Alida Melse. She studies how deficiencies can be prevented in vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children. 

“I want to tackle hidden hunger through food-based strategies,” says Melse. For this, she deliberately looks beyond supplements and explores how foods themselves can help improve nutritional status. Her research has included the study of nutritional value of edible insects for African children and the potential of biofortification: crops that have been developed to contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals.

In recent years, Melse’s attention has shifted towards a new question: how can healthy diets be combined with sustainable food systems? The shift towards a more plant-based diet plays an important role in this. And it brings new challenges. “The body absorbs nutrients such as iron and zinc less efficiently from plant-based sources than from animal-based sources,” Melse explains. “As a result, new nutrient deficiencies may emerge.” As part of the European Zero Hidden Hunger EU project, Melse works with colleagues and international partners to identify nutrients that may become limiting in the transition to more sustainable food systems and to develop strategies to reduce the associated risks.

As Chairholder, Melse aims to further strengthen Wageningen’s position in the field of global nutrition security and health. “The major challenge in the years ahead is ensuring that sufficient healthy food is available for a growing global population while remaining within planetary boundaries,” she says. “That requires close collaboration between nutrition scientists, social scientists, agricultural researchers and many other disciplines. This integrated approach is what makes Wageningen unique.”

Melse studied Nutrition and Dietetics at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen before completing an MSc in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University & Research. After working for the international NGO Helen Keller International in Indonesia, she returned to Wageningen to pursue a PhD on dietary folate bioavailability in foods. Following a postdoctoral research period in South Africa, she returned to Wageningen in 2007 and has worked within the Division of Human Nutrition and Health ever since. As of 15 June 2026, she is Chairholder of the Global Nutrition chair group. In this role, she succeeds Professor Edith Feskens.

Alongside her research, Melse holds several advisory and governance positions. She is a member of the Dutch Health Council, where she advises on dietary guidelines and nutrient requirements, including those for pregnant and lactating women and young children. She also serves on the board of the Global Partnership for Nutrition Initiative, an international network that works to develop nutritious and affordable food products for low- and middle-income countries. In addition, Melse is an ambassador for the recently launched Wageningen Transition Initiative.