About Willem van Eelen
Lived 1923 – 2015 (aged 91). Willem van Eelen was a Dutch physician and researcher, known for Cultured meat.
Willem Frederik van Eelen (4 July 1923 – 24 February 2015) was a Dutch researcher and businessperson associated with the early development of cultured meat. He has been described as one of the "godfathers of cultured meat".
Biography Van Eelen was born in the Dutch East Indies on 4 July 1923, the son of a doctor. During the Second World War, he served in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. After the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, Van Eelen was captured and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner. According to Chase Purdy, his experiences in prisoner-of-war camps shaped his later view of cruelty and hardship.
By the 1990s, with help from investors, Van Eelen had raised . His first patent was filed in 1994, followed by several others.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Willem van Eelen?
Dutch researcher and businessperson
When was Willem van Eelen born?
Willem van Eelen was born on 4 July 1923 in Amsterdam.
When did Willem van Eelen die?
Willem van Eelen died on 24 February 2015 in Amsterdam.
What was Willem van Eelen's occupation?
Willem van Eelen was a physician and researcher.
What was Willem van Eelen known for?
Willem van Eelen was known for Cultured meat.
What nationality was Willem van Eelen?
Willem van Eelen was Dutch.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Willem van Eelen. https://biography.guide/willem-van-eelen/
MLA: "Willem van Eelen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/willem-van-eelen/.
Chicago: "Willem van Eelen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/willem-van-eelen/.
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