Bernd Weisshaar

Bernd Weisshaar is a Professor for Genetics and Genomics of Plants at Bielefeld University, where he has been working since 2003. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), leading the Plant Genetics and Genomics Group. His work is situated within the university's Material World strategic research area, which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the interfaces of physics, chemistry, biology and bioinformatics.

His research interests center on plant genomics, particularly in model systems like Arabidopsis thaliana and crop plants including sugar beet and grapevine. He has made significant contributions to understanding transcription factor networks, flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, genome structure and evolution, and plant responses to environmental stresses.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced genomic techniques including haplotype-resolved genome assembly, pangenome analysis, and transcriptomic profiling across diverse plant species. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with practical applications in crop improvement, particularly in understanding disease resistance mechanisms and stress responses.

• Member of the Review Board 202 Plant Sciences of the DFG (German Research Foundation) 2016-2020

His research has evolved from early work on viral promoters and DNA methylation to contemporary genomic approaches, maintaining a consistent focus on gene regulation mechanisms in plants. He has been instrumental in developing genomic resources for several plant species and has contributed to understanding the molecular basis of important agronomic traits.