In the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), the only Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences in Germany, scientists develop innovative strategies for sustainable plant production.
The growing world population, the increasing demand for food as well as anthropogenic climate change pose a huge challenge for sustainable food production and ecosystems maintenance. The scientific goal of the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS is to investigate the basis and interplay of complex plant traits that have an impact on adaptation to limited resources and yield. The knowledge gained serves as a basis for designing and breeding of (crop) plants that react in a predictable way to future challenges ("SMART plants"). CEPLAS integrates the resources of the Universities of Düsseldorf and Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne and the Forschungszentrum Jülich to form an internationally leading plant science center.

In addition to excellent research, CEPLAS is breaking new ground in the training of young scientists.

CEPLAS speaker: Prof. Dr. Maria von Korff Schmising (HHU Düsseldorf)

Deputy speaker: Prof. Dr. Bart Thomma (University of Cologne)

Contact person:

Managing Coordinator (CEPLAS Central Office HHU): Dr. Céline Hönl

Project Management at University of Cologne: Dr. Cordula Jörgens