The circadian timing system consists of a central brain clock and peripheral clocks in metabolic organs such as liver, pancreas and adipose tissue. The circadian system receives direct information about light and darkness from the retina, and synchronises energy metabolism with the 24-hour rhythms of light/darkness and feeding/fasting. In present society, disruption of the circadian synchrony between the 24-hour rhythms of central and peripheral clocks, hormones, the autonomic nervous system, light/dark exposure, sleep/wake behaviour and food intake may contribute to the pandemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Stenvers' research focuses on the use of circadian knowledge to improve human metabolic health.