Giant Leaps in the spotlight: Merel Daas wins pitch challenge showcasing her research for the project

As part of her research for Giant Leaps at Wageningen University, Merel Daas is currently working on the development of a new diet optimization model based on a 1-on-1 substitution principle of animal products with alternative protein foods, aiming to shift from animal to plant/alternative protein ratio in the European population.

The Wageningen Alternative Protein Project hosted a pitch challenge about the protein transition to bring together researchers from different fields and show the diverse array of approaches needed to address the protein transition. Six PhD students joined the challenge, and Merel took the opportunity to share her research during this pitch competition. The pitches were judged by a jury from academia and industry, and the most engaging and inspiring pitch could win the challenge.

In three minutes, she pitched her current research with the GIANT LEAPS project. The main points pitched were:

• A dietary shift from animal to plant protein foods is needed to mitigate environmental impacts and improve human health. However, changing dietary habits is difficult, so solutions must fit current practices.
• We developed a diet optimization model in which animal products are 1-on-1 substituted with foods based on alternative proteins. The model focuses on making as little substitutions as possible, while maintaining existing meal structures.
• We have applied the model in a European context with the aim to shift the animal-to-plant protein ratio from 70/30 to 50/50 and eventually 30/70. So far, we found that if many people make small dietary changes, such as swapping out one meat or dairy product per day, the collective impact on greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and public health becomes enormous.
• Taking this, we therefore advocate for small dietary changes across the whole population, which could be of little effort for an individual, but have large impacts for society.

The pitch was not only a great opportunity to showcase her research and give visibility to the work we are doing withing the Giant Leaps project, but additionally, Merel won the pitch challenge and received an offer to share her research in the podcast of Wageningen Alternative Protein Project. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!