April 7 - Inauguration Lector 'Future of Food': Dr. Danny Han

Danny and his team stress the importance of embracing novel approaches in the future of food. “Many are aware of the challenges we face in the food industry. We have to come up with solutions for these challenges. Not next week or next month, but now.’’

On April 7, Dr. Danny Han has been officially inaugurated as lector ‘Future of Food’. In his inaugural address, Danny and the researchers of his research group emphasized the need for a sustainable and change embracing food- and hospitality industry. In order for our society to prosper, a sustainable future of food is essential. 

The Future of Food

Now that Danny is officially inaugurated as lector Future of Food, he has his work cut out for him. Danny aims for the Future of Food research group to become a platform for practitioners from the food sector, academics, and students from both the Netherlands and abroad. Together they will identify the current and future challenges of the food industry and corresponding consumer experiences. The research group will focus on a sustainable innovation of food experiences and on the much-anticipated transformation of the food service sector.  

The need for a sustainable food- and hospitality industry

In his inaugural address, Danny and his team stress the importance of embracing novel approaches in the future of food. “Many are aware of the immense challenges we currently face in the food industry. We have to come up with solutions for these challenges that are not only sustainable for the environment but make a positive contribution to our society and individuals, not next week or next month, but now’’, says Danny. The need of having a more sustainable food- and hospitality industry is apparent. The COVID-19 pandemic for example had devastating consequences for the food service sector. Simultaneously, this pandemic also brought forth new and exciting trends and innovations across the food and hospitality industry. Danny and his team will continuously push the innovative boundaries of these and related industries. Only then, can we fulfil the food-related wants and need for generations to come. 

A taste of the future

To really change the hearts and minds of people when it comes to the food industry, education is essential. Therefore, the title of Danny’s inaugural address is: ‘A taste of the future’. The inauguration was a fun afternoon full of festivities. The present guests embarked on a food experience tour, which took them through the Teaching Hotel and the Hotel Management School building to experience a taste of the future.After this tour, the official inauguration took place and the day ended with a reception on site. The main takeaway of Danny’s story is that of the need to innovate and collaborate. According to Danny, creating a future of foods network is fundamental in his endeavour to make an impact on relevant industries and to create meaningful opportunities for students and alumni alike. 

About Danny Han

Danny himself was born and raised in Germany with South Korean parents. He studied at the International College of Management in Sydney where he discovered his passion for food and beverages. It was there that he became fascinated by the taste complexity of food and drinks, the perceptions and (social) experiences it can create for people, and the deeper meaning and connection with dedicated environments. Since then, Danny worked in multiple 5-star hotels and as an educator (first as a supervisor and instructor in Australia and Switzerland, and later as an e-marketing lecturer in Manchester and Breda).  

In February 2021, Danny joined the Hotel Management School Maastricht as professor for the research centre Future of Food. Here he will develop key research areas with his team for the upcoming eight years.