Ronald Pierik appointed chair group holder and professor of Molecular Biology

Richard Harrison, Director of the Plant Sciences Group: "Ronald’s work in the area of plant photobiology is pushing out the boundaries of our scientific understanding and leading to new insights into how plants adapt to fluctuating environments; he will be an asset to Wageningen. His inclusive approach to leadership and talent development will ensure that he also will represent the wider work of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology effectively as part of the broader cluster of Plant Developmental Biology."

“After working at Utrecht University for twenty years, I felt it was time for a change,” says Pierik. “Wageningen University & Research has the scope and the diverse approaches to breathe new life into my research. The breadth of disciplines, both within the chair group and within the university itself, inspires me to address new questions. I’m excited to lead such a complementary group of talented researchers. I also look forward to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion within the university.”

From Heelsum to Utrecht

Despite growing up near Wageningen – in the village of Heelsum, to be exact – Pierik chose to study biology at Radboud University in Nijmegen, where he earned his PhD. In 2003, Pierik began working as a postdoctoral researcher at Utrecht University, where he later became a professor and the chair group holder of Plant-Environment Signalling. He also helped shape the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policy in Utrecht and chaired the EDI committee of the Science Faculty.

Putting photobiology on the international map

Pierik is a leading international researcher in the field of plant photobiology. Specifically, his research aims to shed light on molecular mechanisms that enable plants to function in their natural habitats. Pierik uncovers new regulatory steps that translate the perception of light through specific light receptor proteins into cellular responses, often elsewhere in the organism. These mechanisms play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants in high densities and, consequently, in the yield of food crops.

His research has not gone unnoticed. Pierik has been awarded prestigious Veni, Vidi and Vici grants by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and is active in several consortia, such as NWO Photosynthesis and projects in the TTW Perspective programme. He is also a work package leader for the new PlantXR programme at the CropXR Institute.

Collaboration with other institutes

As the new professor of Molecular Biology, Pierik will continue his research on photobiology.

“Being part of the broader plant setting at WUR allows me to better integrate my research with new technologies and initiatives, such as the photosynthesis institute,” he explains. “I hope to expand existing collaborations and start new ones with researchers who specialise in computer models, with biophysicists who research the light perception and mechanoperception of plants, and with colleagues who are experts in the field of protein chemistry and biotechnology, among others. At WUR, the possibilities are endless.”