Prestigious Veni grant 2025 for Niels van Best

NUTRIM is proud to announce that assistant professor Niels van Best (from the Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention) received a Veni grant from the NWO Talent Programme for his pioneering research on allergy: "SIGNature: Species of the Infant Gut strengthened by Nature"

Unlocking nature’s secret defenders

Childhood allergies such as asthma and eczema are on the rise. Modern lifestyles often keep children indoors, limiting their exposure to beneficial microbes found in soil and forests. Niels van Best’s research explores whether these “nature-born microbes” can play a crucial role in strengthening infants’ immune systems and protecting against allergies. With his research Niels aims to find new strategies to combat allergies, shedding light on the unexpected health benefits of a little dirt and outdoor play. Infants and toddlers who play outside can ingest up to 60 mg of soil daily, packed with helpful microbes.

Innovative Research Approach

To do this, he will identify and study nature-born microbes that support immune tolerance and allergy prevention. The research combines human cohort studies, advanced metagenomic analysis, and in vivo experiments, using infant gut microbiome data from two major Dutch cohorts (LucKi Gut and Lifelines NEXT). The project will also build a reference database of nature-born microbes, integrate environmental exposure data, and test the microbes’ effects on the immune system.

By taking a multidisciplinary approach, this study will deepen our understanding of how nature and microbial diversity influence immune development. Collaborating with local partners, the project will also pilot playground biodiversity enhancements to turn scientific insights into practical public health solutions.

Congratulations from NUTRIM

On behalf of the NUTRIM community, we warmly congratulate Niels van Best and wish him every success as he advances our understanding of how a little dirt and outdoor play could hold the key to healthier futures for children.

The Veni grant is part of the NWO Talent Programme, supporting early-career researchers with innovative, curiosity-driven projects across all scientific disciplines. It empowers scientists to pursue research fueled by creativity and passion, helping shape tomorrow’s society.