To the cookie settings To the main content To the footer

Team 'Plants for People'

Mission

Plants for People is a research team at Meise Botanic Garden dedicated to understanding and safeguarding the diversity of plants and fungi that people depend on every day.

Team’s activities

We combine fundamental science with practical action to address global challenges such as biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and sustainable development. Research activities are structured around three key areas: (i) conserving the genetic diversity of plants and fungi, (ii) translating scientific findings into concrete action plans that promote sustainable and traceable value chains, and (iii) developing skills and infrastructure through capacity building. We place particular emphasis on crops and useful plants that play a vital role in people’s livelihoods, including food crops (e.g., beans, bananas, soy), cash crops (e.g., coffee, vanilla), mushrooms, and timber.

With a global focus, the team connects evidence-based plant research with applied conservation and sustainable development practices to support local communities while contributing to international initiatives on biodiversity, food resilience, and resource management. We strengthen local research capacity and food systems through a multidisciplinary approach. The Plants for People team focuses on the following activities:

  • Genomics, Chemotyping & Traceability: We use chemical fingerprinting, DNA metabarcoding, and multi-element profiling to trace commodity origins and analyze genetic diversity.
  • Modeling & Bioinformatics: Our team applies spatial and evolutionary modeling to understand ecosystem functioning, supported by specialized bioinformatics training.
    Conservation: We establish and maintain living and seed collections to safeguard vital genetic resources for the future.
  • Applied Agriculture: We bridge the lab and the field through crop variety development, agroforestry design, and cultivation trials.
  • Capacity Building: We empower local partners through workshops on production, post-harvest processes, and sustainable resource management.

By bringing together taxonomy, agronomy, genetics, ecology, chemistry, bioinformatics, conservation practice, and community-focused research, Plants for People connects scientific innovation with real-world solutions. Our goal is to promote the sustainable use of plant and fungal diversity while supporting the people and ecosystems that depend on it.

 
 

 

 

Contact

Our Research scientists

Our Honorary Research Associates

Zet mij op de wachtlijst

Wish list

Added:

Zet op wenslijstje