Welcome to my personal website!😊 You can reach me at weitong.long@wur.nl 📧. You can find my full and efficient Curriculum Vitae here. For a full list of my publications, please check on Google Scholar.

I am currently a PhD candidate from Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Group (ENR) at Wageningen University & Research in Wageningen, the Netherlands. I am supervised by Associate Prof. Dr. Xueqin Zhu, Associate Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Weikard, Prof. Dr. Oene Oenema from Wageningen University & Research, as well as Prof. Dr. Yong Hou from China Agricultural university. I conducted one-year of research as a visiting PhD student at China Agricultural university in Beijing, China under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Yong Hou from September 2020 to September 2021. Additionally, I conducted four-month of research as a visiting PhD student at University of California, Davis in Davis, the United States, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Luis M. Peña-Lévano from October 2024 to January 2025.

I am scheduled to submit my PhD thesis in June 2025, with my defense anticipated in October 2025. Currently, I am seeking academic opportunities for the 2025-2026 academic year. I am available for interviews at both the European Job Market (EJME) and the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA).

With over 6+ years of experience as an interdisciplinary quantitative researcher, I specialise in integrated environmental-economic modelling and environmental impact assessment of food systems. My expertise lies in applying quantitative modelling approaches to explore mitigation options towards sustainable food systems. My PhD dissertation focuses on assessing the impacts of food system transformation options—such as supply-side and demand-side measures, and environmental policies—at the regional, national, and global levels. I employ an integrated environmental-economic modelling approach based on the general equilibrium framework that is able to represent regional consumption, production, environmental variables, and international trade with other regions.

I have published 10 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, including two first-authored papers, one published in Environmental Science & Technology (SCI Q1; IF= 10.8) and the other in Sustainable Production and Consumption (SCI & SSCI Q1, IF=10.9), along with a co-authored paper published in Nature Food (SCI Q1; IF=23.6).

In my Job Market Paper [Main Text] [Supplementary information] [Slides], currently under Revise & Resubmit at Nature Food, I highlight that rebound effects may undermine benefits of upcycling food waste and food processing by-products as animal feed in China and have significant knock-on effects beyond the agricultural sectors, thereby influencing sectoral employment, gross domestic product, and household welfare. Implementing appropriate emission taxes provides an opportunity to absorb the rebound effects on emissions but may negatively affect food security indicators and shift emission-intensive sectors from China to its trading partners, depending on the height of the taxes.

🎀 Research Interests

Sustainable food systems, food-land-climate nexus, and climate mitigation 🍽️🐾🌎
Integrated environmental-economic modelling of food systems 💻
Environmental impact assessment of food systems 🧩

🔥 News

2025.02: 💬 An oral presentation delivered at the 4th Dutch Environmental and Resource Economics (DEARE) Day workshop) (Wageningen, the Netherlands).
2024.10: 😊 Started my four-month of research as a visiting PhD student at School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis in Davis, the United States.
2024.09: 🎉 One first-authored paper published in Sustainable Production and Consumption (SCI & SSCI Q1; IF=10.9): Exploring sustainable food system transformation options in China: An integrated environmental-economic modelling approach based on the applied general equilibrium framework.
2024.07: 💰 Awarded for the Junior Researcher Grant from Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS) for the four-month of research at University of California, Davis (Davis, the United States) (4,000 €; PI).
2024.07: 💬 An oral presentation delivered at the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE) 29th Annual Conference (Leuven, Belgium).
2024.06: 💬 An oral presentation delivered at the III Economy for The Common Good International Conference (ECGIC) (Leeuwarden, Fryslân, the Netherlands).
2023.08: 💬 A poster presentation delivered at the XVII European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE) Congress (Rennes, France).
2023.07: 💬 An oral presentation delivered at the EAERE Summer School (University of Graz, Graz, Austria).
2023.06: 💰 Awarded for the Travel Grant from the LEB Travel Fund to participate in the XVII EAAE Congress (750 €; PI).
2022.12: 🎉 One co-authored paper published in Nature Food (SCI Q1; IF= 23.6): Lower pork consumption and technological change in feed production can reduce the pork supply chain environmental footprint in China.
2022.07: 🎉 One second-authored paper published in Animal Feed Science and Technology (SCI Q1; IF=2.5): Dietary acidifiers as an alternative to antibiotics for promoting pig growth performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
2021.04: 🎉 One first-authored paper published in Environmental Science & Technology (SCI Q1; IF=10.8): Mitigation of Multiple Environmental Footprints for China’s Pig Production Using Different Land Use Strategies.
2020.12: 💰 Awarded for the PhD Full Scholarship from China Scholarship Council (CSC) (48,600 €; PI) for PhD research and Research Grant from the Sino-Dutch Agriculture Green Development (AGD) PhD program (8,300 €; PI) for data collection at Wageningen University & Research in Wageningen, the Netherlands.
2020.08: 🏆 Awarded for the Excellent Master’s Degree Thesis from the Chinese Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertiliser Science (Awarded to the Top 1% best master thesis in China).
2020.02: 🎉 One second-authored paper published in Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment (SCI Q1; IF=6.0): Can dietary manipulations improve the productivity of pigs with lower environmental and economic cost? A global meta-analysis.

📖 Education

Wageningen School of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
2020.09 - 2025.10 (Expected) PhD Candidate of Economics in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources

Supervisor: Associate Prof. Dr. Xueqin Zhu, Associate Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Weikard, Prof. Dr. Oene Oenema, and Prof. Dr. Yong Hou
Program: The Sino-Dutch Agriculture Green Development (AGD) PhD program
Dissertation: Towards sustainable food systems in China: transformation options and their connections to the food-land-climate nexus [Slides]
Honor: Awarded for the PhD Full Scholarship from China Scholarship Council (CSC) for PhD research (48,600 €; PI) and Research Grant from the Sino-Dutch AGD Program for data collection (8,300 €; PI)

School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, the United States 2024.10 - 2025.01 Visiting PhD Student

Supervisor: Assistant Professor Dr. Luis M. Peña-Lévano
Honor: Awarded for the Junior Researcher Grant from Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS) for four-month of research (4,000 €; PI)

College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural university, Beijing, China
2020.09 - 2021.09 Visiting PhD Student
2018.09 - 2020.06 Master of Agriculture in Plant Nutrition

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Yong Hou and Associate Prof. Dr. Hongliang Wang
Dissertation: Nitrogen footprint of China’s pig production and feeding mitigation measures
Honor: Awarded for the Excellent Master’s Degree Thesis from the Chinese Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertiliser Science (Top 1% best master thesis in China)

College of Resources, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
2014.09 - 2018.06 Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Resources and Environment

Dual Bachelor: Dual Bachelor of Arts in English

👾 Training Courses

European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE) summer school
2023.07 University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Course: Transnational and Cascading Climate Risks and Adaptation

Dynamic General Equilibrium Modelling Course
2021.07 Victoria University & University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, China

Course: CHINAGEM, A Monash-Styled Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Model of China

📝 Publications

Citations (Google Scholar: March 29, 2025): Total=224; H-index=7; I-10=7

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (First Author)
1) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (2024). Exploring sustainable food system transformation options in China: An integrated environmental-economic modelling approach based on the applied general equilibrium framework. In: Sustainable Production and Consumption (SCI & SSCI Q1; IF=10.9), 51, 42-54. DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2024.09.004
2) Long, W., Wang, H., Hou, Y., Chadwick, D., Ma, Y., Cui, Z., & Zhang, F. (2021). Mitigation of Multiple Environmental Footprints for China’s Pig Production Using Different Land Use Strategies. In: Environmental Science and Technology (SCI Q1; IF=10.8), 55(8), 4440-4451. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08359
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (Other)
1) Tan, M., Hou, Y., Zhang, T., Ma, Y., Long, W., Gao, C., … & Oenema, O. (2023). Relationships between livestock density and soil phosphorus contents–County and farm level analyses. In: Catena (SCI Q1; IF=5.4), 222, 106817. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2022.106817
2) Tan, M., Hou, Y., Zhang, L., Shi, S., Long, W., Ma, Y., … & Oenema, O. (2023). Decision-making environment of low-protein animal feeding in dairy and poultry farms in China. In: Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems (SCI Q2; IF=2.4), 127(1), 85-96. DOI: 10.1007/s10705-023-10295-9
3) Tan, M., Hou, Y., Zhang, L., Shi, S., Long, W., Ma, Y., … & Oenema, O. (2022). Nutrient use efficiency of intensive dairy farms in China–Current situation and analyses of options for improvement. In: Agricultural Systems (SCI Q1; IF=6.1), 203, 103495. DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103495
4) Tong, B., Zhang, L., Hou, Y., Oenema, O., Long, W., Velthof, G. L., … & Zhang, F. (2022). Lower pork consumption and technological change in feed production can reduce the pork supply chain environmental footprint in China. In: Nature Food (SCI Q1; IF=23.6), 1-10. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00640-6
5) Ma, Y., Hou, Y., Dong, P., Velthof, G. L., Long, W., Ma, L., … & Oenema, O. (2022). Cooperation between specialized livestock and crop farms can reduce environmental footprints and increase net profits in livestock production. In: Journal of Environmental Management (SCI Q1; IF=8.0), 302, 113960. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113960
6) Wang, H., Long, W., Chadwick, D., Zhang, X., Zhang, S., Piao, X., & Hou, Y. (2022). Dietary acidifiers as an alternative to antibiotics for promoting pig growth performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: Animal Feed Science and Technology (SCI Q1; IF=2.5), 115320. DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115320
7) Tan, M., Hou, Y., Zhang, L., Shi, S., Long, W., Ma, Y., … & Oenema, O. (2021). Operational costs and neglect of end-users are the main barriers to improving manure treatment in intensive livestock farms. In: Journal of Cleaner Production (SCI Q1; IF=9.7), 289, 125149. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125149
8) Wang, H., Long, W., Chadwick, D., Velthof, G. L., Oenema, O., Ma, W., … & Zhang, F. (2020). Can dietary manipulations improve the productivity of pigs with lower environmental and economic cost? A global meta-analysis. In: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (SCI Q1; IF=6.0), 289, 106748. DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106748

📜 Working Papers

Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (2025). Rebound effects may undermine benefits of upcycling food waste and food processing by-products as animal feed in China. Revise & Resubmit at Nature Food (SCI Q1; IF=23.6; Job Market Paper). [Main Text] [Supplementary information] [Slides].
Long, W., Zhu, X., Oenema, O., Hou, Y., Peña-Lévano, L. M., Garcia‐Covarrubias L., Boy, K.-F. (2025). Unintended trade-offs between food security and environmental sustainability: Impacts of China’s dietary shift and afforestation under a stringent climate mitigation policy. [Main Text] [Supplementary information].

💬 Conference Presentations

1) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (02/2025, upcoming). Quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of upcycling low-opportunity-cost feed as animal feed: a general equilibrium approach. Oral presentation delivered at the 4th Dutch Environmental and Resource Economics (DEARE) Day workshop, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
2) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (07/2024). Quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of feeding China’s monogastric livestock with food waste: a general equilibrium approach. Oral presentation delivered at the 29th Annual Conference of European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE), Leuven, Belgium.
3) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (06/2024). Quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of feeding China’s monogastric livestock with food waste: a general equilibrium approach. Oral presentation delivered at the III Economy for The Common Good International Conference (ECGIC), Leeuwarden, Fryslân, the Netherlands.
4) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (05/2024). The asymmetric impacts of feeding China’s monogastric livestock with food waste on food security and environment sustainability. Oral presentation delivered at the 9th Sino-Dutch Agriculture Green Development (AGD) Symposium, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
5) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (08/2023). Integrated Environmental-economic modelling of sustainable food systems in China. Poster presentation delivered at the XVII European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE) Congress, Rennes, France.
6) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (07/2023). Integrated Environmental-economic modelling of sustainable food systems in China. Oral presentation delivered at the EAERE Summer School, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
7) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (02/2023). Environmental trade-offs of dietary structure change can be alleviated by cleaner technology and emission restriction. Oral presentation delivered at the 7th Sino-Dutch AGD Symposium, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
8) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (10/2022). An environmental-economic framework for assessing the impacts of adjustments in crop and livestock systems. Oral presentation delivered at the Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS) PhD Day, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.

🎤 Seminar Talks

1) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (04/2024). Quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of upcycling food waste in China’s monogastric livestock production: a general equilibrium approach. Oral presentation delivered at the EconMonday Weekly Lunch Seminar, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
2) (Invited) Long, W. (12/2023). Food system environmental policy analysis and method application. Oral presentation delivered at the Plant Nutrition Weekly Seminar, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China (Online).
3) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (06/2023). Exploring options for sustainable food systems in China: An integrated environmental-economic modelling approach. Oral presentation delivered at the EconMonday Weekly Lunch seminar, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
4) Long, W., Zhu, X., Weikard, H.P., Oenema, O., Hou, Y. (11/2022). The global environmental consequences of adjustments in the food systems in China. Oral presentation delivered at the EconMonday Weekly Lunch seminar, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.

🏆 Grants and Awards

2024.07: Junior Researcher Grant from WASS for the four-month of research at University of California, Davis (4,000 €; PI)
2023.06: Travel Grant from the LEB Travel Fund to participate in the XVII EAAE Congress (750 €; PI).
2023.02: Honorarium for co-organising the 6th and 7th Sino-Dutch AGD Symposiums (1,000 €; PI)
2021.02: Educational backpack from WASS for taking courses and attending conferences (3,500 €; PI)
2020.12: Research Grant from the Sino-Dutch AGD Program for data collection at Wageningen University & Research (8,300 €; PI)
2020.12: PhD Full Scholarship from China Scholarship Council (CSC) for PhD research at Wageningen University & Research (48,600 €; PI)
2020.08: Excellent Master’s Degree Thesis from the Chinese Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertiliser Science (Awarded to the Top 1% best master thesis in China)
2019.10: The First-Class Master Academic Scholarship of China Agricultural University (Top 1%)
2018.11: The First Prize of China Agricultural University English Speech Contest (Top 1%)
2015.09: The Third Prize of the National English Contest for Chinese College Students (Top 3%)

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

ENR32806: Economic Modelling of Sustainability Challenges (Master level, 6 ECTS)
2023 & 2024 Spring Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Assisted in teaching ENR32806: Economic Modelling of Sustainability Challenges (Master level, 6 ECTS) with Dr. Xueqin Zhu and Dr. Jack Peerlings
Organised tutorials, provided support to master students with modelling and coding inquiries, and completed grading assignments

ENR22806: Principles of Climate Change Economics and Policy (Master level, 6 ECTS)
2022 Winter Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Assisted in teaching ENR22806: Principles of Climate Change Economics and Policy (Master level, 6 ECTS ) with Dr. Xueqin Zhu and Dr. Ina Möller
Provided feedback on literature review papers of master students and completed grading assignments

🪁 Mentoring Experience

Co-supervisor of Master Thesis (03/2022-05/2024)
Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Co-supervised Jia Zhou with Dr. Xueqin Zhu on the master thesis of “Exploring optimal cover crop management practice in China Loess Plateau by model simulation and mathematical programming”
Co-supervised Huangshu Zhao with Dr. Hans-Peter Weikard on the master thesis of “Optimising county-level manure redistribution in Handan, China to balance economic and environmental benefits”
Co-supervised Kehan Qiu with Dr. Rolf Groeneveld on the master thesis of “A computable general equilibrium model for evaluating the economic impact of biofuel policy in the Netherlands”

Chair of Master Thesis Ring (01/2022-12/2022)
Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Organised weekly sessions to help master students improve the clarity and conciseness of their thesis
Facilitated constructive peer feedback to enhance the quality of master students’ written work

💡 Academic Services

Conference Abstract Reviewer

The XVIII European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE) Congress, 03/2025.