Marc Van Montagu

Dr. Marc Van Montagu is a renowned plant biotechnologist and Professor at Ghent University (Belgium). He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry from Ghent University. His academic roles include Professor and Director of the Genetics Laboratory at the Faculty of Sciences, as well as Scientific Director of the Genetics Department at the Flemish Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) in 2015 for his pioneering research in plant molecular biology.

Van Montagu co-discovered the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens with Jozef Schell, a foundational breakthrough enabling genetic engineering in vascular plants. His work revolutionized plant biotechnology, bridging research and teaching while leading key academic and research institutions. The honorary doctorate from UIMP (2015) underscores his global impact in science and education.