Switch Contrast

CEPLAS Image Video 

Check out our new movie

Next Generation Plant Scientists 

Check out our career options

Establishing a Diverse Research Community 

Equal opportunity support

Discover 

Why is Plant Sciences so exciting?

CEPLAS Women in Plant Sciences Day 2026 

On 1 October, CEPLAS hosted its annual Women in Plant Sciences Day, celebrating women in science and supporting the career development.

Category Equity and Diversity

Ancient genome function persists despite frequent mutations 

New study published in Nature shows how centromere DNA sequences evolve rapidly and extensively while retaining their function.

Category Research

Photograph of the Brazilian beak-sedge Rhynchospora tenuis.

Sexual reproducing plant mimicking clonal reproduction 

A newly published study in Nature shows, that Brazilian sedge is able to maintain its genetic identity across generations.

Category Research

Congratulations to Büsra Elkatmis 

CEPLAS Graduate School member Büsra Elkatmis successfully defended her PhD thesis!

Category Training & Careers

Congratulations to Franziska Fichtner  

Franziska Fichtner successfully completed her Habilitation

Category Training & Careers

We are hiring! 

We are looking for an Academic expert in Metabolomics

Category Open positions

CEPLAS-Events

CEPLAS Friday

30/10/2026, 13:00 Category Event Location HHU, Düsseldorf

Speakers: Gitta Coaker (UC Davis), Julie Law (Salk Institute for Biological Studies)

CEPLAS Friday

27/11/2026, 13:00 Category Event Location MPIPZ, Cologne

Speakers: Myriam Charpentier (JIC), Martin Howard (JIC)

CEPLAS Symposium 2027

15/03/2027 - 16/03/2027 Location HHU, Düsseldorf

Save the date!

About CEPLAS

The Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) is a joint initiative of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), University of Cologne (UoC), Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne (MPIPZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK). In CEPLAS scientists are developing innovative strategies for sustainable plant production. Furthermore, CEPLAS develops tailored training programmes to prepare early career researchers for professional careers in academia and industry.

CEPLAS Movies

CEPLAS Image Movie

CEPLAS in 60 seconds