Jonatan Wahren is a PhD student at Lund University, Department of Process and Life Science Engineering, Sweden. He has a background in the dairy industry and holds a M.Sc. in chemical engineering from Lund University. His research is focused on membrane filtration for dairy applications and particularly fouling and cleaning of membranes.
Currently, Jonatan’s research is centered around detection and quantification of organic fouling on polymeric membranes from dairy processing. He has experience working with a range of different techniques for fouling and cleaning analysis like FTIR-ATR, SEM-EDS, membrane staining and QCM-D.
The overall aim for his PhD thesis is to increase the sustainability of membrane processes by optimizing costs and reduce environmental impact of membrane cleaning in the dairy sector. The research is heavily dependent on pilot scale trials and input from the project’s industrial partners.
Marcus Kavaljer holds an MSc from Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland, and is the co-founder and CEO of KxS Technologies Oy. He brings over 20 years of specialized experience in process refractometry, focusing on optimizing industrial process control through inline, real-time refractive index measurement in demanding operating environments.
Throughout his career, Marcus has collaborated closely with end users, OEMs, and research partners to implement robust and reliable measurement solutions across food and dairy processing, semiconductor manufacturing, chemical processing, and other global process industries. His work centers on translating measurement science into practical instrumentation that enhances process efficiency, product quality, and operational stability.
Known for combining strong technical expertise with a hands-on, application-driven mindset, Marcus bridges academic research, advanced instrumentation development, and real-world industrial performance to deliver measurable results for customers worldwide.
Francisco Arévalo is an expert in dairy and plant-based innovation, bringing over a decade of international experience in product development, customer innovation, and cross-functional team leadership. He currently serves as the Team Lead for Global Customer Innovation in Plant-Based Foods and Dairy at AAK’s Global Innovation Center of Excellence in the Netherlands. In this role, he leads a multidisciplinary team of experts in application and sensory domains, focusing on driving global innovation pipelines and market launches.
Before joining AAK, Francisco held roles in R&D and innovation at Friesland Campina and Danone Nutricia Research, where he contributed to new product development, value engineering, and technology projects in various global markets. His background combines deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder and ecosystem collaboration, including partnerships with customers, startups, and academia.
Francisco holds a European MSc in Food Innovation and Product Design (FIPDes) as well as a BSc in Food Engineering.
Ronald van der Knaap is Global Head of Dairy and Plant‑Based Foods at AAK, where he leads the strategic development of two core global industries. With over a decade of international experience in specialized nutrition and plant‑based ingredients, he brings a rare blend of commercial leadership, scientific expertise, and innovation‑driven thinking.
Ronald’s background spans commercial strategy, M&A, and partnership building across global markets, underpinned by a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and a Master’s in Science and Business Management. Passionate about bridging dairy and plant‑based innovation, he supports customers in navigating the transition toward more sustainable, value‑adding nutrition. His work centers on collaboration across the broader B2B ecosystem, helping shape the future of food through solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and consumer expectations.
Dennis is an experienced executive with nearly 20 years in the Fast Moving Customer Goods industry. As Head of Customer Development at Valio Ltd, Finland, he leads efforts to support the dairy industry clients in developing new product categories and addressing market trends.
