
ABOUT BASF INNOVATION CENTER GENT
We tackle food scarcity and help farmers thrive through biotechnology
Or in short, we add science to seeds. In labs, greenhouses and fields. Where scientists, researchers and lab technicians use innovation to make crops more resistant to challenging weather and climate change. And produce stronger seeds for a more sustainable agriculture.
We want to show you how we bring the lab to the field...
HOW WE BRING THE LAB
TO THE FIELD
BASF Innovation Center Gent covers every step in the crop innovation process. From early research to the final product. From trait design and creation to breeding, producing and selling seeds.
And of course, a lot of testing in between.
RESEARCH & DESIGN
Everything starts with ‘what if’. Our scientists come up with assumptions and projects based on their passion for plants and deep knowledge of genes, traits and biotech.
CULTIVATE & TEST
What happens when genes interact and we change them? Only one way to find out. Our researchers and lab technicians modify, cultivate and test traits to verify our assumptions.
BREED & TEST
Seems like we’re on to something ... Time to start breeding crops and seeds in fields and greenhouses. And of course test our earlier creations, all on a larger scale.
PRODUCE & SELL
We have a winner! Time to start producing seeds and sell them to large agricultural companies.
SOME OF OUR ROLES
There are a lot of bright minds in Ghent who each play their part. Scientists, technicians, researchers and people and project managers. Which one are you?

THE SCIENTIST
A master and PhD in biotech, biochemistry, bioinformatics or bioscience engineering. Who designs and leads scientific projects and experiments.

THE RESEARCHER
A master or experienced bachelor in anything that starts with ‘bio’. Who loves the lab and the biology of plants, and adapts protocols where needed.

THE TECHNICIAN
A bachelor in agrotech or biotech. Who loves facts and numbers, sticks to the protocol and checks the outcome of our research.

THE MANAGER
A scientific mind mixed with organisational skills. Who puts the right people on the project and makes sure that everything scientific is covered.
4 REASONS TO JOIN
BASF INNOVATION CENTER GENT

Biotech is big business and Belgium is the world’s leading country in this field. On top, we are part of Tech Lane Park, the biggest biotech cluster in Europe who invests in our research and our future.

Science is in our genes. It’s the reason we exist. That’s why we work closely together with universities. And test and fact-check every idea we come up with. We are a leading research center and do everything we can to promote sustainable agriculture.

We do everything from research to production for various specialties. That means you get to grow your expertise and knowledge and have many career opportunities.

Diversity leads to more innovation. BASF contains more than 20 nationalities and it shows. A variety of personalities and ideas makes for the perfect recipe towards better sustainability.
HOW WE HELP FARMERS THRIVE

Unlocking wheat’s full potential
BASF is committed to develop Hybrid Wheat to provide to farmers tools to mitigate climate changes and improve the sustainability of the production. Our R&D teams focus on improving yield and yield stability while reducing overall CO2 emission. To achieve this goal BASF combines Seeds, Digital and Crop Protection.

Pod Shatter Reduction canola
A small change in a gene, a huge leap forward for canola cultivation. The ‘Pod Shatter Reduction’ trait is a genetic solution that allows the pod to remain intact rather than splitting or bursting by preventing seaming of the pod. In 2016, Bart Lambert and his team won a prestigious prize for this innovation. Pod Shatter Reduction hybrids give growers the advantage of adapting to the conditions around busy harvest time, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Curious to discover more about our seeds and traits?
Feel free to listen to our podcast “The Science Behind Your Salad”! In this podcast series, we shine a spotlight on the innovation, science and technology that will try to ensure that planet and people stay healthy. We cross the globe to discover how the best ingredients that end up on our tables are grown.
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