INFORM June 2026

8 INFORM JUNE 2026 , VOL. 37, NO. 6

LOQ STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD INFORM: WHAT DOES RECEIVING THIS AWARD MEAN TO YOU AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR CAREER? Koomen: As I am now in the final year of my doctorate, I see this award as a meaningful transition from being a student to becoming an independent young researcher, and it gives me great motivation for the path ahead. INFORM: DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH IN LIPID OXIDATION ? Koomen: I investigate the endogenous lipid profile and oxidative status of legume protein ingredients, EDWIN N. FRANKEL BEST PAPER IN LOQ AWARD “A Direct and Practical Approach to Assessing the Impact of Emulsion Composition on Vitamin A Stability” INFORM: WHAT WAS THE CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR RESEARCH THAT LED TO THIS RECOGNITION? De Vreese: The main challenge of my research was developing the analytical method, which required great rigor to ensure that the results were robust and reliable. Knowing that this work contributed to new understanding and led to recognition with the Frankel

and the impact of genetic selection and seed-to ingredient processing to better understand the origin of off-flavors. I also study lipid oxidation in emulsions stabilized with these legume protein ingredients to uncover the effect of compounds, such as tocopherols, on the overall emulsion oxidative stability. INFORM: WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO EXPLORE NEXT? Koomen: As the demand for sustainable food systems continues to grow, I am excited to further investigate the interactions between plant proteins and lipids. I am eager to see how this knowledge can be used to design the next generation of food products. Award made the effort truly worthwhile. INFORM: WHAT ARE SOME INNOVATIONS IN ANALYTICAL METHODS THAT WILL AFFECT THE INDUSTRY? De Vreese: In my opinion, one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years is the direct and global mapping of lipid oxidation products by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Moreover, new instruments based on Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) are emerging on the market. These powerful tools enable the detection and characterization of self assembled nanostructures and their evolution, both of which are critical for a detailed understanding of lipid oxidation processes and their dynamics.

MARIANNE DE VREESE First author, Chemical engineer and researcher

JOLIJN KOOMEN Doctoral student in food science at INRAE, in Nantes, France