Netherlands University Appoints AI Expert to Transform Crop Development
Wageningen, Wednesday, 24 December 2025.
Wageningen University has appointed Professor Agnieszka Golicz to revolutionize plant breeding through artificial intelligence and genomics starting March 2026. The appointment positions the Netherlands at the forefront of agricultural innovation as AI transforms how crops are developed and food security enhanced.
Strategic Leadership Appointment in Agricultural Biotechnology
This development represents a significant advancement in agritech innovation. Professor Agnieszka Golicz will join Wageningen University & Research (WUR) on March 1, 2026, as professor and head of the Plant Breeding group [1]. The appointment comes as Richard Harrison, director of WUR’s Plant Sciences Group, emphasizes that “plant breeding is entering a new phase: AI and biotechnology will play a much larger role in how we design and accelerate breeding programs, and in what we teach our students” [1]. Golicz currently serves as a professor of Agrobio-informatics at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany [1]. Her expertise spans bio-informatics, genomics, and explainable AI - technologies that are transforming agricultural research [1]. The appointment coincides with the 20th anniversary celebration of the combined Plant Breeding group of Wageningen University and Wageningen Research on February 28, 2026 [1].
Revolutionary AI Applications in Crop Development
The integration of artificial intelligence into plant breeding represents a paradigm shift in agricultural innovation. Golicz explains that “AI is changing plant breeding at high speed. It helps us better understand biological processes and see early on which crosses are likely to yield the best combinations of traits” [1]. This technology-driven approach enables researchers to predict successful crop combinations before extensive field testing, dramatically accelerating development timelines [GPT]. The explainable AI component ensures that breeding decisions remain transparent and scientifically verifiable, addressing concerns about black-box algorithms in agricultural applications [GPT]. Golicz’s background includes pioneering work in crop pangenomics and contributions to mapping the genome and pangenome of field beans [1]. She studied Molecular Genetics at the University of Dundee and earned a PhD in Applied Bioinformatics from the University of Queensland, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Melbourne [1].
Institutional Excellence and Research Infrastructure
Wageningen University & Research operates from its main location at Radix building 107, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, in Gelderland [3]. The institution combines knowledge and expertise across all areas of plant sciences, providing education and conducting both fundamental and applied plant research [3]. WUR employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people, making it a substantial research institution [3]. The collaboration between the Plant Breeding group and Wageningen Plant Research facilitates the translation of scientific insights into practical applications [1]. In 2005, Wageningen University’s Plant Breeding chair group merged with Wageningen Research’s Business Unit Plant Breeding, creating the integrated structure that exists today [3]. This collaborative model enables rapid knowledge transfer from laboratory discoveries to real-world agricultural solutions.
Benefits and Future Impact on Food Security
The appointment signals WUR’s commitment to strengthening plant breeding through data-driven methods and innovative research approaches [1]. Golicz expressed enthusiasm about Wageningen’s approach, stating: “What appeals to me in Wageningen is the strong connection between fundamental and applied research. This offers opportunities to make new technologies available more quickly for modern breeding programs. With my background in data analysis, bio-informatics and plant genomics, I look forward to contributing to this approach” [1]. The technology-driven revolution in plant breeding could accelerate crop development and enhance global food security by creating more resilient, productive crop varieties [GPT]. Recent research developments at WUR include work on RDR-gamma genes for virus resistance in crops, which could offer broad protection against plant viruses and reduce yield losses [3]. The institution has also been involved in developing new sensors for large-scale measurement of photosynthesis in potato fields, demonstrating the practical applications of advanced agricultural technology [3].