{
    "title": "\"Plant science will play a central role in addressing some of the major challenges facing society\"",
    "modified_at": "2026-06-22 13:22:33",
    "published_at": "2026-06-22 08:00:00",
    "url": "https://blog.vib.be/plant-science-will-play-a-central-role-in-addressing-some-of-the-major-challenges-facing-society",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/z6Id",
    "culture": "en",
    "language": "EN",
    "subtitle": "A conversation with Julia Santiago Cuellar on the frontiers of plant science in the runup to the fourth edition of the conference 'At the forefront of plant research'",
    "slug": "plant-science-will-play-a-central-role-in-addressing-some-of-the-major-challenges-facing-society",
    "body": "<p>Understanding and harnessing plant life is essential to human civilization. Plants not only feed a growing global population and support our quality of life, but also provide key renewable resources and energy. Plant research is therefore crucial for developing sustainable solutions that boost crop productivity and quality while supporting environmentally responsible agriculture.</p><p>As member of the organizing committee of the conference, Julia Santiago Cuellar is associate professor at the university of Lausanne. Her <a href=\"https://wp.unil.ch/plantsignalingmechanismslab/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lab</a> focuses on the dynamic signaling network that allows plants to monitor the status of their cell walls and adapt it to a changing environment. But let&#039;s ask her herself. </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 33.61%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/25d67836-6449-4956-971f-00209eef0d48/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"Julia Santiago Cuellar\"\n                id=\"image-25d67836-6449-4956-971f-00209eef0d48\"\n                data-id=\"25d67836-6449-4956-971f-00209eef0d48\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/25d67836-6449-4956-971f-00209eef0d48/-/inline/no/IMGP5136-678x1024.jpg\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/25d67836-6449-4956-971f-00209eef0d48/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Julia Santiago Cuellar\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">Julia Santiago Cuellar</figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<h4 id=\"hi-julia-thanks-for-doing-this-could-you-tell-me-something-about-your-research\" >Hi, Julia! Thanks for doing this. Could you tell me something about your research? </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">Simply put, my research focuses on understanding how plants perceive, process, and respond to information from their environment.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Plants continuously monitor signals originating from neighboring cells, the cell wall, beneficial microbes, pathogens, and environmental cues. Understanding how these diverse signals are perceived and translated into specific cellular responses remains one of the central challenges in plant biology.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">To address these questions, we use an interdisciplinary approach that combines structural biology, quantitative biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and plant physiology. This allows us to study signaling processes across multiple scales, from atomic details to their physiological consequences at the level of tissues and whole plants.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">A major focus of our work are the molecular mechanisms underlying plant signaling pathways. We are looking at how specific proteins called plant receptor kinases and their role in coordinating growth, development, immunity, and adaptation to environmental changes. We want to understand how these \u200b kinases recognize certain signals, how they become activated, and how signaling information is transmitted from the cell surface to downstream cellular and transcriptional responses. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Our research has revealed fundamental mechanisms of receptor activation, signal specificity, and cell-wall sensing, providing new insights into how plants coordinate development and defend themselves against biotic and abiotic stresses.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Beyond advancing fundamental knowledge, our long-term goal is to translate mechanistic discoveries into innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture, contributing to the development of crops that are more resilient, productive, and better adapted to future environmental challenges.</p><h4 id=\"as-the-conference-name-suggests-this-is-all-about-the-forefront-of-plant-research-what-advances-truly-represent-the-cutting-edge-of-plant-research-right-now\" >As the conference name suggests, this is all about the forefront of plant research. What advances truly represent the cutting edge of plant research right now?</h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">I believe plant biology is entering a particularly exciting period. Several developments are transforming the field and creating major opportunities for both fundamental science and societal impact.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">One important direction is our increasing ability to understand biological mechanisms in much greater detail. We are progressively moving from identifying genes and components to understanding how biological systems actually function at the molecular level. This provides a much more predictive understanding of living organisms.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">A second major challenge is understanding communication processes within organisms. How cells exchange information, coordinate their behavior and respond to environmental changes remains one of the fundamental questions in biology. Plants provide particularly powerful systems to address these questions because their growth and adaptation depend entirely on their ability to perceive and integrate external signals.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">A third transformative development is the emergence of new technologies that allow us to study biological systems in their native context. Advances in imaging, structural biology, and genome engineering, as well as machine learning, are enabling us to investigate biological processes with unprecedented precision and under increasingly realistic conditions.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Finally, I believe plant science will play a central role in addressing some of the major challenges facing society, including food security, sustainable agriculture and adaptation to climate change. Fundamental discoveries made today will provide the basis for future innovations in crop resilience and productivity.</p><h4 id=\"which-speakers-or-sessions-at-the-conference-are-you-personally-most-excited-about\" >Which speakers or sessions at the conference are you personally most excited about?</h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">All of them. The lineup of speakers is great.</p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 77.5%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/5c3916c3-c349-447c-82f1-220ba8bc76a4/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"\"\n                id=\"image-5c3916c3-c349-447c-82f1-220ba8bc76a4\"\n                data-id=\"5c3916c3-c349-447c-82f1-220ba8bc76a4\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/5c3916c3-c349-447c-82f1-220ba8bc76a4/-/inline/no/%23PlantResearch26+-+extra+post+abstract+deadline.png\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/5c3916c3-c349-447c-82f1-220ba8bc76a4/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Story image\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\"></figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<h4 id=\"as-you-mentioned-both-genome-editing-and-machine-learning-are-technologies-that-are-reshaping-the-field-if-you-had-to-choose-one-which-do-you-think-will-have-the-biggest-long-term-impact\" >As you mentioned both genome editing and machine learning are technologies that are reshaping the field. If you had to choose one, which do you think will have the biggest long-term impact?</h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">I think both technologies are transformative, although in different ways, and I would be cautious about viewing them as competing developments.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Genome editing is revolutionizing our ability to directly test biological hypotheses and translate discoveries into applications. It gives us an unprecedented capacity to modify biological systems with precision and has enormous potential in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Machine learning, on the other hand, is transforming how we generate knowledge. It is accelerating discoveries across many areas, from protein structure prediction to image analysis and the interpretation of increasingly complex biological datasets. More importantly, it is helping us move towards a more predictive understanding of biology.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">If I had to choose which might have the broader long-term impact, I would probably say machine learning, because it is a technology that is influencing virtually every scientific discipline and is changing the way we conduct research itself. However, its true value will depend on the quality of the biological questions being asked and the experimental validation that follows.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">In practice, I believe the greatest advances will come from combining both approaches: using machine learning to generate hypotheses and guide discovery, and genome editing to experimentally test and implement those discoveries in living organisms.</p><h4 id=\"if-you-could-give-your-younger-self-one-piece-of-advice-before-entering-this-field-what-would-it-be\" >If you could give your younger self one piece of advice before entering this field, what would it be?</h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">I would probably tell my younger self to keep going and trust the process.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Scientific research is a long-term endeavor. Progress is often much slower than we expect, experiments fail, projects take unexpected directions, and many of the most important discoveries come only after years of effort. Early in a career, it is easy to become discouraged by setbacks or to underestimate the value of persistence.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Looking back, I would tell myself to remain curious, to continue working hard, and to be patient. Consistent effort over time is often more important than short periods of exceptional success. I would also remind myself not to be afraid of ambitious questions. Some of the most rewarding projects are precisely those that initially seem difficult or uncertain.</p><p style=\"text-align: left\">In the end, science is built on perseverance, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning. So my advice would simply be: keep working, keep learning, and trust that the effort will eventually pay off.</p><h4 id=\"and-finally-whats-a-book-you-would-recommend-to-everyone\" >And finally, what&rsquo;s a book you would recommend to everyone? </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">Actually, I have two in mind. First, <em>The Name of the Rose</em> by Umberto Eco, which combines history, philosophy, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge. At its core, it is a story about questioning assumptions and seeking understanding, which resonates strongly with academic life. And second, <em>The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark</em> by Carl Sagan: Beyond science itself, it is a book about critical thinking, intellectual honesty, and how to evaluate evidence. I think these are skills that are valuable not only for scientists but for everyone.</p><h4 id=\"thank-you-julia\" style=\"text-align: left\">Thank you, Julia!</h4>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 83.33%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ada5002f-b69c-48f0-b809-43c200859dad/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"\"\n                id=\"image-ada5002f-b69c-48f0-b809-43c200859dad\"\n                data-id=\"ada5002f-b69c-48f0-b809-43c200859dad\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ada5002f-b69c-48f0-b809-43c200859dad/-/inline/no/Conference+header+-+PlantResearch26.png\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ada5002f-b69c-48f0-b809-43c200859dad/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Story image\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\"></figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<hr /><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-d3dd26d1-9b00-441f-a00e-4be12f6dc7ac\">\n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__avatar\"><img src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b2a1bc37-f560-4791-8154-cfcdae098755/-/crop/4912x4922/0,388/-/preview/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\" alt=\"Gunnar De Winter\" class=\"release-content-contact__avatar-image\" /></div>\n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Gunnar De Winter</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">Science Communications Expert, VIB</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>gunnar.dewinter@vib.be</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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