Marcel H. Zwietering

Marcel Zwietering is a renowned Professor of Food Microbiology at Wageningen University, where his career began in 1987 after completing his Biotechnology studies. After receiving his PhD with distinction in 1993 for his work on microbial food quality modeling, he progressed through academic ranks while developing expertise in quantitative microbiology and risk assessment. His career includes significant industry experience, including a sabbatical at Unilever's Colworth House lab and four years at Danone's research facility in France. Since 2003, as full professor at Wageningen University, he has led research in food safety management, risk analysis, fermentation, and eco-physiology, while developing comprehensive educational programs from BSc to PhD levels, including international distance learning initiatives. His scientific impact is reflected in over 248 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 56. He serves as editor of the International Journal of Food Microbiology and holds influential positions including chair of the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) since 2020 and co-chair of the ILSI-Europe Microbiological Food Safety task force. His expertise is regularly sought by international organizations including FAO/WHO and EFSA, and his contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2019 IAFP Elmer Marth Educator Award and International Leadership Award, and the 2024 Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award. Throughout his career, he has supervised 39 PhD students to completion and served as examiner for 62 PhD candidates, while also contributing to Wageningen University's governance as a member of its Academic Board from 2018 to 2023.