Paul Struik

Dr. Paul Christiaan Struik served as Professor of Crop Physiology at Wageningen University & Research until his retirement in 2023, culminating a distinguished 37-year career that established him as a prominent figure in agricultural science. After completing his PhD with distinction in 1983 from Wageningen University on forage maize physiology, he built an impressive career spanning crop science, seed systems, and agricultural biodiversity. His research encompassed diverse areas including potato physiology, photosynthesis modeling, seed production technology, and the integration of social and natural sciences in agriculture. As author of over 675 journal articles and more than 15 books, his work has significantly influenced agricultural science, earning him prestigious recognitions including the 2019 International Crop Science Award and appointment as Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2022. His research particularly focused on linking ecophysiology with genetics through modeling approaches, studying seed systems of vegetatively propagated crops, and investigating agrobiodiversity conservation. As Editor-in-Chief of Potato Research and editor for several other journals, he has shaped scientific discourse in his field while supervising over 100 PhD candidates. His work bridges fundamental research with practical applications, emphasizing the importance of integrating social and natural sciences in addressing global agricultural challenges. Beyond academia, he holds positions as Honorary Professor at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Bangalore, continuing to influence agricultural science globally even after retirement.