Detlef Weigel is distinguished for his contributions to plant development, and more recently, to our understanding of natural genetic variation in plants and how they adapt to environmental pressures. Studying the genetics of the edible mustard green Arabidopsis thaliana, Detlef has revealed the genetic and molecular basis underlying many aspects of plant development and survival.

Untangling the consequences of genetic differences within plant species, and understanding how plants adapt to changing conditions, is vital for securing future food security and biodiversity. Studying Arabidopsis plants from around the world, Detlef has provided many insights into the genetic variations that enable individual plants to flourish in a range of conditions.

A Director at the Max Planck Institute for Development Biology in Germany, Detlef is passionate about nurturing the young scientists in his team to achieve their full potential.