Photosynthesis forms the foundation for all plant productivity and life on Earth as we currently know it. In this course, we will explore photosynthesis from the chloroplast to the whole-plant canopy level. We will also examine the theory behind varied methodologies that can be used to study plant photosynthesis, ranging from techniques in spectroscopy and chlorophyll fluorescence to gas exchange and remote sensing.
In this course we aim to take an interdisciplinary approach, where students exchange ideas in their studies of photosynthesis at any scale to address unresolved knowledge gaps. Collaboration, sharing ideas, and developing new methodologies to answer research questions will be a central part of this course.
The course is composed of:
Key-note / Introduction Lecture
The course starts off on Sunday afternoon with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. David Kramer, Founder & Scientific Director of the IngenHousz Institute.
Poster carousel
After the Sunday dinner there will be a poster carousel during which participants present themselves, their research and interest in the course. Each session lasts 15 minutes and starts with a 5-10 min introduction followed by a 5-10 min discussion. At the start of the carousel all participants stand at their poster with each participant briefly stating their name, where they are from and the title of their poster. Accordingly, the actual carousel starts. Based on the short introduction round, and the title as listed in the reader, participants select the posters they want to visit. Note that posters will be displayed on the walls of the course venue throughout the course. The schedule of the carousel will be included in the reader.
Lectures and Discussion
Mornings consist of three 30-minute lectures, each followed by a 30-minute discussion. To prepare themselves for the post-lecture discussion participants must familiarise themselves with the topic by reading a paper that the speaker submitted and which participants will receive from the organisers prior to the course.
Each day the lectures and discussions will have a specific focus:
- Monday: Chloroplast
- Tuesday: Leaf
- Wednesday: Plant
- Thursday: Canopy
- Friday: Participants' presentations
Working groups
Based on the NWO concept “Theory of Change”, participants will work in small groups where each participant comes to the course with a half a page (200 words) idea which they present to their team. Based on these ideas they come with a joint plan which they will work on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoon. The outcome will be presented Friday morning.
In addition, on Wednesday afternoon there will be a methods carousel on WUR campus.
Liana Acevedo (Wageningen University & Research, HPP)
Florian Busch (Birmingham University)
Steven Driever (Wageningen University & Research, CSA)
Wanne Kromdijk (Cambridge University)
Shizue Matsubara (Jűlich Research Centre Germany)
Onno Muller (Jűlich Research Centre Germany)
Uwe Rasher (Jűlich Research Centre Germany)
Deserah Strand (Jan Ingenhousz Institute)
Silvere Vialet-Chabrand (Wageningen University & Research, HPP)
Emilie Wientjes (Wageningen University & Research, BIP)
Xinyou Yin (Wageningen University & Research, CSA)
| Target Group | This course is aimed at PhD students who already have some exposure or experience in measuring photosynthetic traits. |
| Group Size | Min. 20, max. 30 participants |
| Course duration | 5 days |
| Location | Parkhotel de Bosrand, Ede |
| FEE1 | |
| PhD candidates of PE&RC, WIMEK, WIAS, WASS, VLAG and WU EngD candidates | €375,- |
| Postdocs and Staff registered at PE&RC | €750,- |
| Other academic participants | €830,- |
| Non-academic participants | €1580,- |
1 The course fee includes accommodation, meals, coffee/tea and a reader. It does not include drinks at the bar.
PE&RC Cancellation Conditions
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS read the Cancellation conditions for PE&RC courses and activities.
