Casper Van der Kooi

Casper Van der Kooi is a Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, affiliated with the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences. He holds dual PhDs in Biopsychics & Plant Physiology (2015) and Evolutionary Biology (2015). His research focuses on the optical and thermal properties of flowers, their evolution in relation to pollinator vision, and reproductive systems of insects. He combines biophysics with evolutionary biology to study how flower colors attract pollinators while balancing ecological trade-offs. Key areas include structural coloration, pollinator perception, and the evolutionary dynamics of plant-pollinator interactions.

Education:

• PhD in Biopsychics and Plant Physiology (2015), University of Groningen
• PhD in Evolutionary Biology (2015), University of Groningen
• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of Groningen)

Research Interests:

• Flower color evolution and optical properties
• Pollinator attraction mechanisms
• Structural and pigment-based coloration
• Thermal ecology of flowers
• Evolution of reproductive systems in insects
• Biophysics and optics in nature

Awards and Memberships:

• 2024: Heineken Young Scientists Award for bridging physics and biology
• 2020–present: Member of Young Academy Groningen
• 2023: Nominated for New Science Scientific Talent Award

Grants and Advising:

• Leadership of research projects on floral coloration and pollinator interactions
• Editorial roles in Annals of Botany and Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Labs/Teams:

• Leads a research group studying flower colors and pollinator ecology
• Collaborates with institutions globally on optical and evolutionary studies