Catching up with Paul Vervuren, Principal Statistical Programmer at Danone R&I
Paul Vervuren walked through the doors of Danone Research & Innovation (R&I) 13 years ago – and has never looked back. Since then, he’s applied his scientific background and data wizardry to hundreds of studies, helping our research teams dive deeper into their results and identify the insights we need to deliver life-changing solutions. Here, Paul reflects on challenges, collaboration, and comfort zones.
After completing his studies in biology and ecology, Paul found himself working as a data analyst in the pharmaceutical industry. He was looking for something new when he came across Danone. “I knew of Danone at the time, but I didn’t associate the company with clinical and scientific research,” he says.
“When I found this role, I immediately knew it was the one for me. I was looking for a chance to leverage my experience as a data analyst and team leader while also taking on a new challenge and reinventing myself – and I found that here.”
Thirteen years on, Paul’s official title is Principal Statistical Programmer, a position that fuses project management, leadership, data analysis, advisory work, and execution. “It’s the perfect combination, if you ask me!”
Data makes the difference
Paul and the data team handle tens of studies every year – which adds up to a lot of data, from simple physical measurements to complex microbiological information. “How we organize this data makes all the difference in the world,” he explains. “I’m currently focusing on making data processes more efficient by standardizing data across clinical studies. It might not sound very glamourous, but it significantly speeds up data analysis. Of course, at Danone R&I, speed isn’t the only thing that matters: accuracy is crucial, especially in studies related to medical nutrition and infant formula.”
In addition, Paul is working on a system that allows real-time data monitoring. “For projects like this, collaboration is key. I work closely with data managers, statisticians, and other functions in our research organization, as well as with external experts and partners. Only by truly working together can we keep making progress.”
Where personal challenges meet team support
This collaborative mindset has served Paul well in another of his roles: Co-Chair of the annual PHUSE Conference in the Netherlands. This global platform for clinical data scientists is the ideal forum for exchanging ideas and learning from others in the field of healthcare data, as well as a unique opportunity for Danone R&I to increase visibility as an employer and build connections with industry experts.
For Paul, his PHUSE activities have been a welcome challenge: “As an introvert, I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone! The whole process has taught me a lot, and I’ll be putting what I’ve learned into practice at two exciting events coming up in 2025. First, there’s ‘Driving success in biometrics’ in April. I’ve been co-hosting Single-Day Events like this since 2016 and this year looks set to be another brilliant edition! Then, in May, I’m looking forward to the Computational Science Symposium. This is a prestigious event bringing together PHUSE working groups on key research topics, so I’m honored to have been asked to co-host for the first time.”
The opportunity to keep growing and developing is something Paul appreciates about working at Danone R&I – but it’s not the only one. “You’re never alone at Danone,” he says. “Everyone here knows we need to work closely together to make an impact and ensure our projects are successful. By building strong relationships, both inside and outside the company, I’ve been able to make big strides forward, personally and professionally. People trust each other here, and that opens the door to further growth and innovation.”