prof.dr. R (Ronald) Pierik
Professor/ChairholderPlants are remarkably flexible towards their environment. They have evolved ways to deal with all sorts extremities and are able to interpret various combinations of environmental input signals. We study how plants process information about their light environment and translate input signals into adaptive developmental responses. This is particularly important for growth at high planting densities, because light becomes scarce and is a resource that plants compete for. In addition to understanding shade avoidance responses, that guide leaves away from shade, we also investigate how plants connect these to other environmental challenges. Signal integration is key in our research! In addition to understanding molecular mechanisms, we also study how these plant behaviours and light qualities improve (or not) plant performance, photosynthesis, growth and yield.
Read more about our research at https://plantphotobiology.com/
Read more about Ronald's scientific background in this news item from WUR and about his broader roles in academia in an interview on plantae.
Read more about Ronald's ideas regarding Diversity and Inclusion in this interview with WUR.
Listen to an interview (in Dutch) of Ronald with Maartje Kouwen on the the Podplanten podcast here on Spotify