Insects for functional pet food
Website Vives
University of Applied Sciences
About the Company :
Name of the company : VIVES
Type of organisation : University of Applied Sciences
Field of activity : Higher education & research institute
Location : Roeselare – Belgium
What are the main commitments of your company?
Within the field of Food Processing, there is a strong focus on valorizing waste streams from the agro and food industry by transforming by-products into valuable ingredients or incorporate them into new food applications. Additionally, the research group is dedicated to the development of innovative food products, incorporating alternative ingredients, sustainable processing techniques and improving nutritional profiles. Another key area of focus is advancing food quality control, with the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as sensor-based monitoring, AI-driven analysis, and non-destructive testing methods to ensure safety, consistency, and superior product quality.
Minimum education requirements : Preferred master, optionally bachelor (3th year)
Required languages spoken :
English or Dutch
Position summary :
Short description of the organization:
VIVES University of Applied Sciences, founded in 1995, is a leading Belgian institution offering practical, career-oriented programs across various disciplines. With strong industry ties, hands-on learning, and modern campuses, VIVES emphasizes real-world experience, internationalization, and research. It provides personalized support to ensure student success, and its graduates are well-prepared for their careers.
Any accomodation offered :
/
Internship description (the tasks, responsibilities, benefits) :
Mainly working for food and feed.
Your job will help into the characterisation of unavoidable residual streams (Volume and availability, Seasonal patterns, Physical and biochemical properties). The focus is on loss prevention, through:
- Development of targeted treatments, based on:
- Insect-derived components: investigation of bioactive compounds with activity against spoilage microorganisms
- Bioethanol production: application as a strategy to prevent sprouting of crops like potatoes.
- Anaerobic digestion
- Biogas production from remaining residual streams
- Including residual streams originating from insect rearing
You will assist in the lab with research into insect-based products and natural inhibitors
The objective is reduced microbial growth, mould formation, and nutrient loss. And improve stability → less waste before residual streams are generated.
Job Details :
Duration of the internship :
3-6 months
Period :
Academic year 2025-2026
Application deadline :
13th of February 2026
Salary :
Not mentioned
Weekly Workin hours :
38 hours
To which pillar of the project can the internship be associated ?
Resilient & sustainable food systems