The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture brings together more than 20 excellent plant scientists who study a wide range of aspects of plant biology relevant to agriculture, from the molecular and cellular levels, and all the way to the whole plant in the field.  The aim of the Institute is to meet future agricultural requirements through applied and basic fundamental research in plant sciences.

This research enables us to improve yields and quality, with a focus in agricultural plant physiology, genetics and molecular breeding, cell biology, genomics, proteomics and biotechnology.

Our research starts at the molecular and cellular levels, expands to the plant as a whole, and progresses all the way to the field. We use physiological, biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches. to study basic developmental processes, interactions of plants with their environment, breeding and biotechnological applications.

The diversity of scientific questions, experimental approaches and studied species, reflects the Institute's deep belief that a rich scientific environment and interaction between a variety of researchers with different backgrounds and expertise are all essential for creative and productive research. This structure also provides a stimulating environment for students, whom the Institute trains as future leaders in agriculture, research, biotechnology and education.