Norbert Keutgen

Norbert Keutgen is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Horticulture, Department of Crop Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He holds a Dr. hab. and Privatdozent title, with a research focus on plant physiology, stress responses, photosynthesis, and climate change, uniquely combined with paleobotanical research on belemnites. His current work includes plant factories and vertical farming systems.

• PhD in Geology and Paleontology, RWTH Aachen (1996)
• PhD in Agricultural Sciences, University of Bonn (1994)
• Biology Diploma, RWTH Aachen (1990)
• Habilitation (Dr. hab.), Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture, Poland (2010)

His research spans plant stress physiology, yield physiology, chlorophyll fluorescence, ecophysiology, and evolutionary research on belemnites under climate change. He investigates microgreens, intercropping, and sustainable substrates. His recent work integrates paleobotany with modern horticultural challenges.

The 15 most recent publications show a strong trend in sustainable horticulture, focusing on microgreens, intercropping, plant quality, and stress responses. There is a consistent emphasis on nutritional and sensory quality, sustainable substrates, and climate-resilient cultivation. A unique and recurring theme is his interdisciplinary research on belemnite evolution in the context of climate change, linking past and present ecological dynamics.

• Gruppenpreis des II. Grades, Uniwersytet Technologiczno-Przyrodniczy, Poland (2014)
• NCN Research Project Grant (2013)
• Individueller Preis des II. Grades, Poland (2011)
• Gruppenpreis des I. Grades, Poland (2010)
• Doctor habilitatus, Poland (2010)
• DFG Research Project Grant (2000)
• Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Japan (1998)

Norbert Keutgen has supervised over 20 master's theses at BOKU on topics ranging from microgreens and intercropping to plant quality and conservation. He is the principal investigator of an FWF-funded project on belemnite evolution under climate change (2023–2026) and has led or participated in multiple national and EU-funded research initiatives. His work often involves collaborative grants with industry and public research agencies.

He is actively involved in research teams focused on sustainable horticulture, plant factories, and climate-resilient crop systems. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration with plant biotechnologists, food scientists, and environmental researchers. He contributes to community services as a reviewer for journals such as Antioxidants.