Medic and Scientist in residence
In the final week of August 2022, EatThis. welcomed Hanno Pijl, renowned endocrinologist and Professor of Diabetology at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), as its Medic and Scientist in Residence. Pijl is widely known for his advocacy of a healthy lifestyle rooted in unprocessed, nutritious food, rather than relying too quickly on medication. His commitment to nutrition and health grows directly from decades of experience in the consulting room, where he has seen firsthand how lifestyle profoundly influences wellbeing.
During his residency, Pijl visited several horticultural companies, gaining insight into the potential of greenhouse-grown crops to support healthier food systems. He was deeply impressed by what he encountered: the innovation within the sector, the dedication of growers, and the possibilities for integrating fresh, nutritious produce more meaningfully into daily diets.
Inspired by these experiences, Pijl plans to pursue various follow-up initiatives. These include projects in preventive healthcare, as well as explorations into the design of new residential areas that foster healthier living environments for their communities. His residency marks an important step toward bridging horticulture, public health, and urban development — and toward rethinking how food production can support a healthier future for all.
