Published on May 20, 2026
Hendrix Genetics Strengthens Salmonids R&D Team to Drive Next-Generation Innovation
Hendrix Genetics’ Business Unit Salmonids is entering a new phase of growth with a reinforced R&D team whose diverse expertise is shaping the future of salmon and trout breeding. This strengthened group not only drives scientific innovation but also reinforces the company’s leadership and deepens trust with customers who rely on robust, data driven breeding solutions.
The team brings together specialists from around the world and across species. Vera van der Heijden, with an MSc from the Wageningen University, has been a key contributor to salmon breeding programs since 2016. Dr. Aqeel Ahmad, who completed his PhD from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences on digital phenotyping and feed efficiency in salmon, now supports genetic operations for salmon. Dr. Katharina Correa, a genomic disease resistance expert with a PhD from the University of Chile, supports Troutlodge operations and product management in Chile.
Cross species experience further strengthens the group. Dr. Britt de Klerk, who completed her PhD in cattle genetics and worked years in broiler breeding, brings valuable insights to salmonid R&D. Dr. Rayner Gonzalez-Prendez, whose PhD focused on genomic analyses in pigs, now leads bioinformatics for the business unit after years in dairy cattle genetics. They are supported by Dr. Marco Bink an experienced quantitative geneticist contributing part time from Hendrix Genetics’ Central R&D team.
The group is led by Dr. Kasper Janssen, R&D Director of BU Salmonids. Kasper completed his PhD on the economic optimization of aquaculture breeding programs. He joined Hendrix Genetics in 2019 as a geneticist working primarily on Atlantic salmon breeding programs. Building on this foundation, he transitioned into the role of R&D Director in December 2025, where he now oversees the strategic direction and scientific development of the salmonids portfolio.
With this team in place, BU Salmonids is well positioned to support both internal and client breeding programs through both day-to-day support and continuous operational improvement. The expanded capacity enables a stronger push into advanced phenotyping, combining innovative measurement methods, improved equipment, and AI-powered tools.
In genomics, the team is refining the in-house SNP chip to include more informative QTL linked markers and developing new evaluation methods that better capture QTL effects. These innovations will increase the accuracy of breeding value predictions and accelerate genetic progress across salmon and trout.
By investing in people and technology, Hendrix Genetics reinforces its commitment to leadership in aquaculture genetics; delivering reliable, forward-looking solutions that strengthen customer confidence and the company’s global brand.
