Ingrid van der Meer gained a PhD in plant molecular genetics at the Free University in Amsterdam and has subsequently ca 35 years research experience. She is currently heading the department Bioscience at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). The research at her department is focused on gaining a better understanding of plant processes. An important focus is on the biosynthesis and health aspects of plant metabolites and proteins for food and nutrition. Ingrid initiated and coordinates a large research program on duckweed (water lentils) as new plant food source, including cultivation, product development and consumer acceptance, already for 10 years. She submitted a Novel Food dossier to the European Food Safety Authority to get their approval for this plant to be used as a very sustainable and healthy vegetable, which has been granted recently.