Rob van Treuren

Rob van Treuren is a Researcher affiliated with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) as an external employee at the Centre for Genetic Resources (CGN). His work focuses on plant genetic resources, genomics, and conservation strategies. He leads projects such as the EU-funded AGENT - Activated GEnebank NeTwork (2020-2024) and Dutch government initiatives on seed physiology and plant genomics.

Research Interests:

• Genetic resource conservation (e.g., crop wild relatives of spinach and lettuce)
• Genomic analysis of plant biodiversity
• Seed viability monitoring and ex situ preservation techniques
• LED light applications in horticulture and plant physiology

His recent publications emphasize optimizing genebank protocols, light-mediated growth in crops, and genetic diversity in wild plant populations. He co-supervised PhD candidate X. Cadima Fuentes on a project monitoring genetic diversity in Bolivian wild potatoes (2007-2014).

Van Treuren contributes to science communication via newsletters (Nieuwsbrief Genetische Diversiteit) and media outreach on topics like seed banking and genetic diversity.