Simcha Nyssen

Simcha Nyssen studied communication and marketing with a focus on international relations and negotiation processes. Fascinated by human intrinsic motivation processes, she went on to study business psychology. She was always surrounded by animals and advocating for more animal welfare has always been an important part of her life. Professionally, she was involved in the daily operations of several commercial companies when, in 2019, she decided to devote an important part of her professional time to improving animal welfare. Since then, she has been working on various projects as an independent consultant. Today she focusses mainly on the global protein shift, technological innovations in cellular agriculture, replacing conventional animal based products by cell-based alternatives and precision fermentation or plant based hybrid solutions. She believes in a holistic approach of transitions, looking at the interconnected entity and the importance of understanding complete outline. Approaching stakeholders, understanding the dynamics of transitions and the social impact, identifying resistances and opportunities and looking for long term solutions. She represents GAIA as a member of the working group International Financial Institutions Working Group and International Policy Forum. She acts as special adviser to stakeholders in relevant projects. In April 2022 GAIA and Eurogroup for Animals hosted Europe’s first-ever symposium on cultivated meat and precision fermentation. Scientific experts, industry representatives and advocates attended the event in Brussels to discuss the future of our food system. Special advisor to Michel Vandenbosch on the book “Cultivated meat to secure our future: Hope for animals, food security, and the environment.”