Efficient sharing of knowledge, skills and underused equipment, a logical choice for Upfield

Direct access to advanced research facilities was the main reason why Upfield, a world leader in plant-based foods, moved its R&D activities to the Wageningen Campus two years ago. At the company, they see access to shared advanced research equipment in collaboration with Wageningen University & Reseaerch (WUR), and courtesy of funding from the RegioDeal Foodvalley, as a valuable opportunity.

Lowering the bar

'We wanted to make product property testing on high-quality equipment easier for our employees and speed up decision-making in product development,' says Gertjan Heijman, Platform Manager Aroma and Flavour at Upfield. The organisation therefore decided to reduce the physical distance to the laboratories of academic scientists and give employees access to equipment that is too expensive for the company to purchase itself. 'A piece of equipment has to be used often enough to justify the investment,' said Heijman.

Analysis of product matrices

One example is the confocal microscope at WLMC, funded by a grant for shared research facilities from the Foodvalley RegioDeal. It allows researchers to study ingredients in a product matrix. 'You can use this device to locate proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the product and see their chemical structure,' illustrates Eleni Ntone, Fat Structuring Manager at Upfield. 'That helps us predict the quality of products.'

Ntone is happy with the guidance she receives as an external researcher from WLMC experts. 'They know so much more than us about device settings, sampling and the colouring required; this shortens the analysis process for us,' she says.

Leading the way

Norbert de Ruijter, WLMC manager, is one of the experts involved. He likes to show customers how best to use the equipment. 'Technology is complex and constantly evolving. And it can be difficult for organisations to determine exactly what information they need to answer a research question,' he says. 'That's why we always discuss their requirements beforehand. A confocal microscope offers many possibilities, but is complex to work with. Sometimes we refer customers to a simpler piece of equipment.'

To secure funding for new equipment, researchers have several hurdles to overcome. 'As a research group, we have to recover sixty per cent of our equipment investment costs within eight years. So for us, it is valuable to collaborate with parties who would like to use the equipment,' says De Ruijter.

As easy as possible

Through the Search database for shared research facilities made available by WUR, interested parties can search through the supply of shared research equipment. 'Use this database to find out what a piece of equipment can do,' is De Ruijter's advice to prospective users. 'And don't hesitate to contact the experts from the team behind Shared Research Facilities at WUR or the other administrators if you want to know more.'

Moreover, make the process for sharing facilities on both sides as simple as possible, Heijman stresses: 'Appoint a central person to take care of administration and financial matters. That way, researchers get maximum benefit from the services provided.'