In mid-May, our new colleague Niels van Tol (35) started as a diagnostics specialist. He will eventually take over the work of Paul van Leeuwen, who is nearing retirement. With his scientific background, Van Tol has extensive knowledge of molecular genetics. "It is nice to be able to use that knowledge now for practical research."
The flower bulb sector is still relatively new to Van Tol, but after just under a year - Van Tol previously worked as a researcher at the BKD - he already feels quite at home. "The no-nonsense culture in the sector appeals to me. People are very approachable and down-to-earth. Sometimes also a bit conservative, but that also makes our field interesting. Diagnostics and testing are evolving. That innovation provides plenty of challenge."
Applying knowledge practically
Van Tol comes from Leiden, where he completed his studies in Biology (bachelor) and Molecular Biology (master). He then did doctoral research where, in four years, he developed a new molecular technique to influence growth and photosynthesis in plants. He then worked for several more years at Leiden University and was mainly involved in influencing plant processes. "After eleven years in scientific research, I was looking for a way to apply knowledge more practically," he said.
That began in September 2023 at BKD to build out the nematode diagnostics lab and brought him to BQ Support this spring, where reinforcements were sought with Paul van Leeuwen's upcoming retirement. "I find flower bulbs and plant diseases very interesting. It's nice to be able to combine this with my knowledge of molecular genetics. At BQ Support, many molecular tests are performed. I can understand these tests well, know how they are constructed and have the knowledge to develop them further or to set up new tests."
Hands off
Van Tol is mentored by Van Leeuwen so that he can take over the diagnostic research. An intensive, but fascinating process. "There are an enormous number of crops, cultivars, diseases, pathologies and variations thereof. A matter of training and gaining a lot of experience. The small organization, short lines of communication and hands-on mentality really appeal to me. One moment you are sitting at your desk reading something, the next moment you are in the lab examining samples. Different tasks and hands on, I love it!"
