Tuur Mertens

Tuur Mertens

Thesis Student

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location of Tuur MertensGhent, Flemish Region, Belgium

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    PhD in Malting and Brewing Technology | Passionate about Beer Quality and Stability

  • Education

    • Scheppersinstituut Wetteren

      2003 - 2009
      Secondary Degree Biotechnical Sciences Magna Cum Laude
    • Ghent University

      2009 - 2016
      Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) + Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) Food Science and Technology Cum Laude

      The main focus of the study lies in the production and quality control of food and food products. The graduate provides practical value to the food industry and is highly capable of problem solving.

  • Experience

    • Ghent University

      Sept 2015 - Jan 2016
      Thesis Student

      Title: 'Optimizing Analysis of (modified) Fusarium Mycotoxins in Diverse Samples from the Brewing Process’.− Assessment of the impact of beer brewing processes on the various Fusarium mycotoxins and their abundance− Optimization of the existing methodology− Range of analytical techniques, such as LC-MS/MS (trace analysis), extraction and purification of mycotoxins in grain and beer samples

    • Ajinomoto OmniChem

      May 2016 - Dec 2016
      Lab Technician Analytical Development

      − Analyzed diverse product samples based on numerous analytical techniques (such as GC, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, UV-Vis, IR, titrations), supporting the internal R&D labs and the pilot plant− Developed, defined and validated appropriate analytical methods for quality check-ups of chemicals and pharmaceutical products− Documented analytical methods according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards

    • Technische Universität Berlin

      Mar 2017 - Feb 2020
      Dual Joint PhD in Malting and Brewing Technology

      Topic: 'Strategies to Reduce the Iron Intake During the Brewing Process with respect to Flavour Stability'.Objectives of the research:− Getting strategies to reduce the iron intake during the brewing process− Reduction of the release of iron from the malt during mashing− Reduction of iron during mashing and lautering process− Introduction of complexing compounds during the brewing process to reduce the content of transition metals−> Investigation resulted in the discovery of a natural substance that prolongs beer shelf-life (patented: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2021170827A1) Show less

    • KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering Technology - Ghent Technology Campus

      Mar 2017 - Feb 2020
      Dual Joint PhD in Malting and Brewing Technology

      Apart from research (see above), the project that also highly emphasized on training and networking, which included:− A myriad of malting and brewing courses at six renowned European universities− Multiple training at four global companies within the malting and brewing industry− The partaking in various scientific brewing conferences with posters and oral presentations− Beer sensory training (FlavorActiV Ltd, United Kingdom)− Brewing trials at the 5-hL pilot brewery at KU Leuven (campus Ghent)− Standard and analytical analysis of beer and wort− Management and supervision of master students Show less

    • Brouwerij Van Steenberge

      Jul 2021 - Aug 2022
      Quality Manager

      Ensuring that the beer produced at brewery Van Steenberge is of exceptional quality. Primary goals were:- Improvement of brewery operations, product quality and customer satisfaction levels- Reduction of costs and consumer complaints- Assuring that the food safety standards and quality certifications (GFSI) are maintained- Ensuring that the brewery complies with its legal obligations

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Beer Sensory Training - Intermediate Level

      FlavorActiV Limited
      Jan 2019
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Tuur Mertens
      Participant – Vlaamse PhD Cup 2025 (Top 16 Selection) SciMingo Sep 2025 Selected among the top 16 researchers (out of 80 applicants) for the 10th edition of the Vlaamse PhD Cup, a competition showcasing exceptional doctoral research in Flanders. Participated in intensive media and communication training led by science journalists and experts to translate complex research into clear, engaging stories for a broad audience.
    • Awarded to Tuur Mertens
      FWO Scientific Award Puratos 2024 Puratos Oct 2024 On the initiative of Puratos, The Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) granted the Scientific Award Puratos for an outstanding PhD thesis that presents an original contribution in food science, food technology and industrial food biotechnology.
    • Awarded to Tuur Mertens
      'Best Scientific Presentation' Award Young Scientists Symposium Committee Sep 2018 The Young Scientists Symposium is a scientific conference that encourages young scientists, new in the field, to cover a broad range of malting, brewing, fermented beverage and distilling related topics.
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Guide at the eco-Centre

      Issued by Caput Insulae on Jul 2008
      Caput InsulaeAssociated with Tuur Mertens
    • Leader

      Issued by Scouting Prins Boudewijn Wetteren on Jan 2009
      Scouting Prins Boudewijn WetterenAssociated with Tuur Mertens