Plant Institute

Plant Institute

Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in all aspects of plant-based scientific investigation

Growing Scientific Excellence for a Better World

The Penn State Plant Institute cultivates a vibrant ecosystem of plant-focused innovation, collaboration, and impact. Our research, education, and outreach mission spans diverse disciplines, uniting students, staff, postdocs, and faculty across the entire Penn State system. We seek to cultivate:

  • Transdisciplinary Excellence: We foster interdisciplinary research by developing cutting-edge facilities, equipping researchers, and facilitating collaborative activities. Our goal is to bridge disciplines, engage stakeholders, and amplify the global beneficial impacts of plant science at Penn State
  • Engagement and Visibility: The Institute showcases the achievements of its members. We engage with the general public, Penn State administration, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States government, global stakeholders, and corporate partners. We promote the critical role of plant science in addressing societal challenges
  • Inspiring the Next Generation: We are passionate about attracting and supporting the next generation of plant scientists. By promoting the excitement and relevance of our field, we encourage students to explore plant science as a rewarding career path
  • Strategic Synergy: We strategically leverage existing programs that align with our goals. This collaborative approach ensures efficiency and maximizes our collective impact

News

Researchers working to address agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

On the latest episode of “Growing Impact,” a team of Penn State researchers discusses how their seed grant project aims to address nitrous oxide emissions from the agricultural sector by developing a system for real-time emissions monitoring and reduction.

BioArtist Mellissa Monsoon to present 'Collaborating with Microbes'

The One Health Microbiome Center and College of Arts and Architecture are co-hosting three events as part of a multi-year SciArt collaboration.

Ag Sciences research institute SAFES funds projects addressing critical issues

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, through its Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, known as SAFES, announced funding awards to accelerate the advancement of its Critical Issues Initiatives. These initiatives serve as the college’s impact hubs, addressing urgent and high-impact challenges through targeted efforts and innovative projects.

Plant biologist awarded the Masatoshi Nei Innovation Prize in Biology

Sarah Assmann, Waller Professor of Plant Biology at Penn State, has been awarded the Masatoshi Nei Innovation Prize in Biology. The award was established through a generous gift from Masatoshi Nei, professor emeritus of biology at Penn State; Laura Carnell, professor of biology at Temple University; and Nei’s wife, Nobuko Nei. The prize is intended to recognize a preeminent scientist who is on the faculty at Penn State, is an innovator in their field, and has achieved outstanding scientific research and leadership in the biological sciences.