The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) has appointed Prof. Daan Kromhout of Wageningen University Academy Professor. Daan Kromhout is happy with his appointment: "This appointment makes it possible to determine in experimental research if omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for the protective effect of fatty fish on heart and vascular diseases. If this is proven, then the evidence has been found that a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids is an important cause of heart and vascular diseases. With the received funds, I can also train researchers who will continue this type of research after my retirement."
Prof. Kromhout will receive an award of one million euros so that he can completely dedicate himself to innovative research and training young researchers. Because the university can now attract a young, talented research leader with the departmental funds that have become available through Prof. Kromhout's award, the KNAW contributes to the flow of young researchers to management positions with its programme of Academy Professors.
Prof. Dr. ir. Daan Kromhout, Professor of Public Health Research at Wageningen University's Division of Human Nutrition, owes his appointment to his pioneering work in nutritional epidemiology and especially the relationship between eating patterns and the risk of heart and vascular diseases. Kromhout was the first to prove that eating fatty fish once or twice a week is sufficient to halve the risk of a heart attack.
Prof. Kromhout's research has also proven that the Mediterranean dietary pattern is linked to a low risk of heart and vascular diseases because it is rich in vegetable products, unsaturated fat, and fruits and vegetables. The results of Prof. Kromhout's research have led to international recommendations for a healthy dietary pattern and the prevention of heart and vascular diseases.
Daan Kromhout was the sector director at RIVM for 14 years, and he has been vice chairperson of the National Health Council (of the Netherlands) since 2005.