Maarten Jongsma serves as the Team Lead for Receptomics and Ethogenomics at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), where he spearheads innovative research at the intersection of plant biology, human nutrition, and ecological interactions. With a profound understanding of how plants and plant products interact with...
Maarten Jongsma serves as the Team Lead for Receptomics and Ethogenomics at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), where he spearheads innovative research at the intersection of plant biology, human nutrition, and ecological interactions. With a profound understanding of how plants and plant products interact with a diverse array of organisms—from insects to humans—Maarten's work delves into the complexities of these relationships, often overlooked in traditional hypothesis-driven lab studies. His teams employ cutting-edge, unbiased approaches that leverage advanced techniques in genomics, molecular genetics, and protein chemistry to unravel the intricate dynamics of plant quality sensing.
In the realm of human nutrition, Maarten focuses on the sensory aspects of food flavor, investigating how human sensory receptors perceive and respond to various plant-derived compounds. This research not only enhances our understanding of flavor profiles but also informs the development of healthier, more appealing food products. Concurrently, his work in ethogenomics addresses plant resistance mechanisms against herbivorous insects, utilizing insights from cell biology and physiology to identify genetic traits that enhance plant resilience.
Maarten's expertise in sequencing technologies and NMR further enriches his research, enabling his teams to analyze complex biochemical interactions at a molecular level. By bridging the gap between plant sciences and human health, Maarten Jongsma is at the forefront of a transformative approach to food quality and safety, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices and improved nutritional outcomes. His leadership in these two dynamic research areas positions WUR as a leader in the field, driving forward the understanding of plant-organism interactions in an increasingly complex ecological landscape.
