Daan is working as a PhD researcher at the Industrial Ecology department of the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University.

More information about Daan Heeling

Professional experience

Daan Heeling is a PhD researcher at the Industrial Ecology department of the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University.

He holds an MSc degree in Industrial Ecology from Leiden University and TU Delft. His master’s thesis focused on the impacts of alternative food production systems on the Dutch spatial layout. During his MSc, he also followed courses at the Faculty of Architecture, with a focus on landscape studies, design, and sustainability. Combined with a background in economics and politics, this allows Daan to approach food system transitions from a broad, interdisciplinary perspective, integrating environmental, technological, spatial, and socio-economic considerations.

Since completing his MSc, Daan has worked with Gertjan Meeuws, Paul Behrens, José Mogollón, and Jan Willem Erisman on exploring the potential future role of vertical farming within sustainable food systems. This collaboration resulted in co-first authorship of the Frontiers in Plant Science article “Think Sink, Not Source”, with several follow-up publications currently under review or in preparation.

Daan started his PhD at CML in February 2026. In collaboration with Joran Lammers, José Mogollón, Paul Behrens, and Jan Willem Erisman, his focus is on developing future spatial representations of novel plant protein production systems in the Netherlands, as part of the NWO-funded project REAP2SOW. His research is driven by a broad curiosity into how future food production systems can become more resilient to environmental and societal change, while also highlighting the opportunities, benefits, and positive potential of these emerging systems.

In addition to his academic work, Daan volunteers at the Community Supported Agriculture foundation “Het Zoete Land” in Leiden (interview in local student newspaper), contributing to the production of locally grown food for a community of over 100 members.

Research Topic

Daan’s research aims to develop future spatial representations of potential plant protein production systems, integrating environmental, technological, land-use, and socio-economic perspectives to support resilient and sustainable food system transitions.