News

The future of data-driven food systems may not rely on traditional data-sharing models but on federated platforms—a novel approach that enables organizations to collaborate without exposing sensitive data. By leveraging privacy-preserving AI techniques, federated learning allows multiple parties to gain insights from decentralized data, enhancing decision-making in areas like food safety, supply chains, and sustainability.

Caroline Figueroa Speaks on AI Bias at FemData Panel at Pakhuis de Zwijger

4TU members Caroline Figueroa, Kathleen Guan and Gayane Sedrakyan published a perspective on Health Recommender Systems (HRS) and their role in promoting health equity in JMIR Publications. They provide actionable recommendations on how to design more inclusive and impactful HRS by considering the multiple, nested levels of influence shaping individual health. https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e60138

This initiative focuses on high blood pressure in peri- and postmenopausal women—a critical yet often overlooked health issue. The project will adapt the Blood Pressure Challenge, by the Healthcoach Program, to better fit the needs of women from diverse backgrounds. https://www.healthy-society.nl/news/opschalingsprojecten-binnen-het-healthy-society-programma

On the TU/e campus, Sophia, Oscar, Kathleen and Donika presented their proposals and how they relate to each other. Multiple ideas for cooperations emerged. For instance, for Kathleen it will interesting to see which percentage of youth and young adults can be reached with health apps in various ‘Hungry cities’ – as explored by Sophia. In turn, Donika‘s research on ontologies informs the design of these apps. Then, the overall feasibility and resilience of a connected, personalized and urban food system will be addressed by Oscar.

We are excited to share that NutriRAG, an AI-driven dietary recommendation system, has been accepted for presentation at the International Conference of AI New Technology and Open Discussion (ICAITD) 2025, in Tokyo, Japan (June 1-4, 2025). NutriRAG leverages Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and explainable AI to generate personalized, healthy smoothie recipes for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. The system integrates real-time data from USDA FoodData Central, Dutch dietary guidelines (RIVM), and EUFIC’s seasonal food database to ensure scientifically validated, user-tailored nutrition. This achievement highlights the potential of AI in transforming chronic disease management through innovative solutions.

4TU-Redesign works on a high-tech food system that potentially offers multiple benefits – for different personas. Miranda Meuwissen linked these personas to possible financers in the EAAE seminar on ‘how to finance the transition to sustainable and resilient systems’ (Wageningen, 13-14 November 2024).

At the Dutch Design Week ((19-27 October 2025) 4TU.Design United presented contemporary design research in the 5 Dialogues sessions Living Environment, Thriving Planet, Digital Future, Health & Wellbeing and Equal Society. Miranda Meuwissen presented the 4TU.Redesign programme in the dialogue session on Health & Wellbeing.

Tom Veldkamp, Marjolein Dohmen and Sandra Nienhuis from 4TU visited the 4TU-Redesign team. Tenure trackers Max Koppenberg and Anand Gavai shared ideas about mutual collaboration between 4TU tenure trackers. PhDs Sophia Renner and Oscar Sottie did the same from the PhD perspective. Long-term prospects of the programme were also discussed. The visit ended with an interesting excursion to the greenhouse on campus organised by tenure tracker Cristina Zepeda.

Youth from Amsterdam South-East visited TU Delft to explore a potential collaboration in designing innovative mental health apps. Tenure Tracker Caroline Figueroa, PhD student Kathleen Guan and the rest of their team plan to explore a long-term collaboration, not only to develop apps with youth, but also to explore how technology developers and health professionals can best co-create new health technologies with youth.

Dr. Figueroa recently launched the RISE research group at TU Delft, aimed at promoting inclusion and social justice in digital health. 4TU PhD student Kathleen Guan is one of the key members of the group. The mission of Rise is to generate knowledge and tools to enable more inclusive and equitable digital health.

4TU-Redesign assistant professor Caroline Figueroa delivers keynote on digital health and gender equality at the Asia pacific economic cooperation meeting in Taiwan

The tenure trackers and PhDs of 4TU-Redesign visited Bakker Barendrecht on 6 September 2024. Advisory board member Rob Wessels elaborated on the latest logistic developments and discussed the current challenges in optimizing delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables. Advisory board member Bart Stengs (Achmea) then took over to discuss implications of the new risk environment for the insurability of greenhouses. He also discussed the complexity of insuring cyber risk. The morning was closed by an interesting tour across the Bakker Barendrecht facilities.

High-tech developments in greenhouses go very fast, among others to further save energy and water, increase automation, and increase yields. Hans Koolhaas (co-owner of LKP Plants) enthusiastically shared their experiences with latest high-tech. Marc Middeldorp and advisory board member Jessie-Lynn van Egmond (both from Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects) then discussed the technical challenges and opportunities, and indicated their ambitions to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to increase circularity.

On 29 May 2024, the 4TU-Redesign team of researchers, the advisory board, and members of the Applied Universities met in Delft for the annual consortium meeting.