Professor Detlef Weigel ForMemRS

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.

Professional position

  • Director, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tuebingen, Max Planck Society

Subject groups

  • Patterns in Populations

    Evolution, Plant sciences / botany

  • Cell Biology

    Developmental biology, Genetics (excluding population genetics)

Committees Participated Role
Sectional Committee 9: Patterns in populations November 2023 - October 2026 Member
Sectional Committee 7: Cell Biology December 2017 - November 2020 Member