Project
As the transition towards a sustainable and circular economy accelerates, industrially reared edible insects are gaining importance in the production of food, feed, and biochemicals. By converting organic side streams into valuable biomass, insects offer enormous potential. However, to ensure the production of safe, high-quality, and economically viable insect-based products, several challenges must be addressed.
Under the supervision of Prof. Dries Vandeweyer, this PhD project explores radio frequency (RF) technology as a novel processing method for the insect industry. RF technology is a dielectric, volumetric heating method that uses electromagnetic waves for efficient heat treatment, drying, and decontamination. While widely applied in the food industry, its potential for insect processing remains largely unexplored. This research aims to assess RF technology effectiveness in stabilising and decontaminating insect-related matrices, including rearing substrates, whole insects, insect-based products, and frass (rearing residues), contributing to optimisation of processing technologies for the insect sector.
The project will focus on investigating and optimising RF processing for insect-related materials, using pilot-scale RF equipment at the Insect Pilot Plant (KU Leuven, Campus Geel). By refining process parameters, it will explore applications for organic side streams, whole insects (such as black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)) as well as insect-based products and frass. The impact of RF processing on microbiological safety, stability, and shelf life will be evaluated and compared with benchmark technologies such as blanching and hot air drying. Through a combination of (physico)chemical, microbiological, nutritional, and organoleptic analyses, the project aims to establish RF technology as a reliable, scalable, and efficient processing method for insect-based applications.
As a PhD researcher, you will conduct cutting-edge research in processing technology and insect production, working closely with Prof. Vandeweyer and collaborating with colleagues within and beyond the research group. You will play an active role in the daily activities of the Research Group IP&P and develop the scientific and technical skills needed to address future challenges in the field. Your research will lead to a doctoral dissertation to be defended at the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven. Throughout the programme, you will have opportunities to supervise bachelor’s and master’s students, present at national and international conferences, and publish your findings in scientific journals, contributing to the broader academic and industrial community.
Profile
- You have a Master’s degree with at least distinction (cum laude) in Bioengineering Technology, Bioscience engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Food technology, Engineering technology or a related discipline;
- You are highly motivated to do research in a dynamic research environment;
- You have a strong interest in (food) processing technology, (physico)chemistry and microbiology;
- You are open to conducting experiments with insects, or already have experience in that field;
- You are communicative, creative, eager to learn and able to work independently as well as part of a team;
- You have good communication skills in written and spoken English;
- You are proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams;
- You are willing and eligible to apply for a personal PhD grant (e.g. FWO fellowship: https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/phd/phd-fellowship-strategic-basic-research/ or https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/phd/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/).
Offer
Interested?
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