Scientist - News - 29-05-2009:

New, strengthened Danone research centre
Beintema, Nienke

Danone is planning to open a brand new research and development (R&D) centre at the science campus of Utrecht University. The new centre, which will be opened in early 2012, will unite the four current R&D locations in Wageningen, Cuijk, Zoetermeer and Schiphol.

"An excellent development," reacts Johan Garssen, currently Head of Immunology at Danone Research in Wageningen, and professor at Utrecht University. "The new centre will strengthen the relationship between Danone Research and Utrecht University, and allow for stronger, integrated life sciences research."

Danone entered into a strategic alliance with the University’s Farmacology department four years ago, explains Garssen. "The new science centre will reinforce this collaboration. It will also allow for growth of the current departments of Danone Research, and better coordination between them. In addition, having one central centre instead of four peripheral ones will be much more practical in communication with external partners."

The Dutch branch of Danone Research focuses on specialized nutrition, particularly baby nutrition and medical nutrition. Much of the research effort is devoted to research into probiotics and prebiotics, says Garssen, which play an increasingly important role in specialized nutrition.

"Our research results in these fields are promising," he says, "particularly in relation to allergy prevention. We are especially interested in the effects of new combinations of pre- and probiotics." Highlighting some recent successes and upcoming publications, he expresses confidence that the new R&D centre will provide an impetus to this part of Danone’s research.

More information:
Danone press release