Wieger Wamelink

Wieger Wamelink is an ecologist and senior researcher working at the intersection of nature, agriculture, and space exploration. He gained international recognition for his groundbreaking research into the possibility of growing food on Mars and the Moon.

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Keynote Speaker,Keynote spreker,Q&A session / Firseside chat,Q&A session / Firseside chat,Webinarf

About Wieger Wamelink

Dr. Wieger Wamelink works as ecologist at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. As senior researcher he works on the effects of nitrogen deposition and climate change on biodiversity, especially on plant species. He is also one of the caretakers of the nature gardens on the Wageningen campus and as campus ecologist responsible for the management of the green areas on the campus.

In 2013 Wieger started Food For Mars and Moon (FFMM) with as goal to grow crops on Mars and the moon applying the regoliths and ice present at the moon and Mars. The research includes the effects of heavy metals present in the regoliths on the growth, effect of cosmic radiation on the plant growth, the application of human faeces as manure and the need to bring worms, bacteria and pollinators to create a sustainable closed agricultural ecosystem. The research recently expanded to grow mealworms on crops grown on Mars regolith simulant as an addition to astronaut’s meals and to circulate plant waste. To boldly grow where no plant has grown before.

Specialist Subjects

What if we need to live on Mars someday—will we be able to grow our own food there? Space ecologist Wieger Wamelink has been researching this for years, using simulated Mars and Moon soil provided by NASA and growing tomatoes that thrive as if they were in an ordinary greenhouse. His research is both serious and surprisingly fun: an inspiring glimpse into the future of food production, space colonies, and sustainable agriculture—on other planets, in space, and right here on Earth.

A little nitrogen is fine. But too much? Then ecosystems become unbalanced, species disappear, and nature changes rapidly. Wieger Wamelink explains—clearly and engagingly—what nitrogen deposition does to our forests, heathlands, and biodiversity, and what we can do about it. Clear, current, and delivered with a healthy dose of realism and hope.

What happens when excess nitrogen, prolonged droughts, and tropical downpours follow one another? Exactly: nature is thrown off balance. Wieger Wamelink reveals how these changes reinforce each other and what this means for plants, animals, and the soil. But he also looks ahead: how can we make nature more resilient? A lecture full of insights, smart solutions, and surprising connections.

Everyone can contribute to biodiversity—even in your own backyard or on your balcony. Want more butterflies, birds, and life in your garden? Good news: you don’t need to be a forest ranger to make it happen. With simple adjustments, you can turn your garden into a small paradise for nature. Ecologist Wieger Wamelink guides you through the world of garden ecology in a light-hearted and informative way. Practical, cheerful, and inspiring—going green starts closer to home than you think.