Why do we know so much about healthy eating—and still struggle to act on it? Professor Jaap Seidell has spent his career tackling exactly that question.

Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Public Health (VU), Seidell focuses on the relationship between health behaviours and chronic diseases. Alongside his academic work, he plays an influential role in public health policy and governance. He serves as Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and advises numerous national and international scientific organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). He is also a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).

Beyond academia, Seidell is widely known for making complex science accessible. Together with Jutka Halberstadt, he co-authored several widely read books on nutrition and health, including Tegenwicht, Het voedsellabyrint, Jongleren met voeding, and Andere kost. A frequent contributor to Het Parool and a familiar voice in Dutch media, he is committed to translating scientific insights on nutrition, obesity, and lifestyle into clear, practical knowledge—helping people navigate the often confusing world of food and health.