Plant Sciences
Bioinformatics
The Bioinformatics group focuses on fundamental and applied bioinformatics research in the green life sciences. We develop and apply novel computational methods for the analysis and integration of –omics data. We teach bioinformatics and data analysis to students at the bachelor, master and PhD levels.
Farming Systems Ecology Group
The Farming Systems Ecology (FSE) Group of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) focuses on the analysis and redesign of farming systems and foodscapes, so that they deliver multiple benefits to humankind, using natural processes as our starting point.
Biosystematics Group
The Biosystematics Group focuses on evolution and biodiversity. We address fundamental questions about biodiversity and its origins and apply our knowledge to improve crops and ecosystems. Through our research, teaching, and outreach activities, we aim to increase societal appreciation for biodiversity.
Centre for Crop Systems Analysis
The Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA) contributes to the improvement and innovation of crop production at various levels of integration: from genotypes to cropping systems and agro-ecosystems.
Agricultural Biosystems Engineering
Our commitment is rooted in understanding the complexity of agricultural biosystems to leverage system specific technological concepts and the underlying scientific and engineering principles to not only design and optimize an agricultural biosystem but also to manage its impact on society and ecosystems. “We envision a future in which food security and biomass production are continuously optimized through the perpetual development and utilisation of technology in agricultural biosystems that do not compromise nature and are seamlessly integrated in their environment and society.”
Horticulture and Product Physiology
Welcome to the Horticulture and Product Physiology (HPP) group! We are the only academic group focused on horticulture in the Netherlands, and we hold a strong position in horticultural research and education at Wageningen University & Research.
Lab of Entomology
At the Laboratory of Entomology we work on the physiology of insect/plant interactions and the ecology of parasite/host and predator/prey interactions. In the last decade research on arthropod vectors of human and animal diseases complemented the research at the Laboratory.
Laboratory of Phytopathology
Phytopathology is the science of plant disease. We research how plant pathogens interact with plants, how they gain foothold, and exactly what effect they have. The aim of this research is to gain knowledge that will stand at the basis of ensuring future food security and prevention of harvest disasters such as the potato famine and the current banana crisis.
Laboratory of Nematology
The Laboratory of Nematology studies the biology of nematodes (or roundworms), and associated organisms, to understand and predict their functioning in agricultural and natural ecosystems. We focus on nematodes as key factors in soil resilience and nutrient cycling, and as a persistent threat to animal, human and plant health.
Laboratory of Genetics
The Laboratory of Genetics studies genetic variation from the processes that produce it (mutation, recombination), to the factors and processes that have shaped its architecture in the past and determine its fate now and in the future. Evolutionary theory applies to all life forms, and heredity is a key characteristic of life. Therefore, the genetic and evolutionary analysis of biodiversity requires a broad range of model species that span the major kingdoms. The Laboratory of Genetics uses computer simulations, and studies bacteria, fungi, insects and plants.
Laboratory of Plant Physiology
The Laboratory of Plant Physiology of Wageningen University & Research aims to contribute to the understanding of how plants function. We are particularly interested in how plants respond to changes in their sometimes hostile environment.
Plant Breeding
The Laboratory of Plant Breeding is involved in education, research and consultation in the field of plant breeding in the broadest sense. Education is performed at all levels from BSc, MSc and PhD to specific courses for external parties. Plant breeding and genetic resources is one of the MSc specialisations within the study Plant Sciences.
Laboratory of Virology
Our research focuses on plant viruses, arboviruses and insect viruses. We aim to unravel the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying virus-host and virus-vector interactions to understand how these determine pathology and transmission. The acquired knowledge contributes to the development of new technologies (e.g. in vector control and biotechnology) and durable strategies for disease management (e.g. in molecular plant breeding, vaccine development, insect biocontrol and mass rearing of insects).
Plant Production Systems Group
Using concepts of systems analysis, we develop methods that allow integrated analysis and design of alternative futures at local (farm), regional, national, international and global scales. We thus contribute to a mission that strives to provide grounded quantitative analysis to underpin responses to urgent societal issues such as global food security, agricultural and environmental policies, competition for natural resources, food-feed-fuel interactions and global environmental change.
Plant Developmental Biology
The cluster of plant developmental biology (PDB) focusses on the growth and development of plants in relation to their environment.
Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology
The Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology studies the dynamics of cellular organization in relation to cell growth, cell division and the organization of cell walls.
Laboratory of Molecular Biology
The Laboratory of Molecular biology aims to understand the molecular basis of plant growth and development.
Artificial Intelligence Group
We are a community of AI scientists that aspires to address global challenges in a responsible way. We advance AI methods and conduct use-inspired, applied research in close cooperation with domain experts in the environmental, social and life sciences.