Through pioneering research, CEPLAS has successfully dissected complex traits into individual modules and identified molecular mechanisms underlying plant development, metabolism and beneficial plant-microbe interactions. These discoveries have developed CEPLAS over two funding phases in an internationally recognised hub for plant and microbiota research. In the next funding phase, we aim to advance from understanding individual trait modules to predicting entire trait complexes and their modulation by dynamic internal and external cues. We will dissect the molecular underpinnings of plant acclimation and evolutionary adaptation and explore the spatiotemporal integration of complex traits through molecular signalling and resource allocation strategies.

Our research program is organised into five interconnected research areas (RAs). RA1 aims to understand how the integration of development and metabolism is modulated by dynamic environments and, in turn, promotes acclimation and evolutionary adaptation. RA2 establishes a mechanistic understanding of intermicrobial and plant-microbe interactions and their impact on plant resilience and resource use efficiency. RA3 aims to contribute to a quantitative mechanistic understanding of genotype-trait relationships using synthetic reconstruction strategies. RA4 functions as the synthesis centre for integrating heterogenous data and will develop bioinformatic and modelling approaches to establish causative links between genomic variation, molecular networks and complex traits. RA5 will integrate knowledge from RA1-RA4 to engineer SMART plant prototypes that optimise performance and resource use efficiency by designing novel trait combinations and acclimation responses.

As an internationally leading plant science centre, CEPLAS integrates the resources of the Universities of Düsseldorf and Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, the Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research. We aim to establish CEPLAS as an internationally recognised training hub in experimental and theoretical plant and microbe biology by offering tailored training programs for early-career researchers at various career stages and for diverse career paths. CEPLAS will implement innovative public outreach formats, i.e. through citizen science projects, provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and promote technology transfer.

Involved Institutions:

• Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
• Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research