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Plant Sciences studies agriculture, horticulture, energy crops and ornamentals. We study gene characteristics, plant reactions to environmental factors, population diversity, soil characteristics, and plant diseases and plagues. We breed new cultivars and innovate in crop protection and crop husbandry. The four research areas are Applied Genetics and Breeding, Crop Husbandry and Environment, Crop Protection, and Growth and Development.

The Species Diversity team investigates the state and trends of populations of species in a regional (Flanders), national (Belgium) and international context with a view to the conservation and management of biodiversity. To this end, it charts the biotic and abiotic habitat requirements of species, interactions between species, and the impact of human activities on species in order to explain the observed trends. The methods used include ...

Wildlife management in relation to humans and biodiversity is central to the Wildlife Management and Alien Species team. Damage management is the first important area of focus. The team seeks, among other things, management tools and strategies to reduce the negative impact of both indigenous and exotic species. Another important area of focus is the sustainable use of indigenous populations: what are the prospects and preconditions for the ...

In order to monitor the condition of plants and animals (Natura 2000, Water Framework Directive, Red Lists, etc.) in Flanders in a thorough scientific manner, the Species Diversity research group develops new monitoring networks and optimises existing networks. The group also coordinates the annual collection of data for these networks. However, monitoring existing conditions and trends is not enough: it is important to identify ...

Optimal processing of primary agricultural products (plant and animal) into quality food, feed and non-food products is our focus, particularly dairy, meat and fish products, ready-made meals, vegetables and fruits. We study quality improvement, authenticity, nutritional and functional properties, taste, nutrition and health, detection of GMOs and allergens, valorization of secondary flows and new applications from plant biotechnology.

The Freshwater Habitats Team deals with biodiversity, ecological assessment, management and restoration of lentic and lotic habitats. Beyond general aquatic ecology, its know-how covers ecologically important but often somewhat more challenging biota, in particular macrophytes (including stoneworts and non-native species), diatoms and various invertebrates, e.g. dragon flies, water beetles and molluscs. Much of the team’s work concerns ...