Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands
Patricija Gran is a Seed Technology Researcher at Wageningen Plant Research, working at the interface of academic seed science, industry innovation, and policy. She currently coordinates the Seeds for the Future Initiative, a long-term partnership between Wageningen University & Research and leading seed companies, designed to connect scientific progress with industry needs and future skills. She also organizes the Master Class on Seed Technology, a programme for professionals seeking deeper insight into seed biology, emerging technologies, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Her PhD research explored the protection of stored mRNAs in primed seeds, in collaboration with industry partners focused on seed longevity - a key factor in global food security. She remains active in MSc education through teaching and supervision in Seed Science and Technology. Patricija previously served on the Board of the GeneSprout Initiative, where she led policy and advocacy on new genomic techniques in Europe. In this role, she engaged with EU policy makers, NGOs, industry representatives, academia, and the public to foster informed dialogue on biotechnology and regulation, translating complex science into accessible communication. She holds a Master’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Bonn and a Bachelor’s degree in Horticultural Engineering from the University of Zagreb. Her work is driven by the potential of seed science, biotechnology, and responsible innovation to support sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
Project: ‘Seeds4Ever: Protection of stored mRNAs to ensure seed survival. How do seed stored mRNA’s survive?’ I am investigating protection and the dynamics of the seed stored mRNAs during priming treatment. My goal is to understand which step of the treatment and why hampers the seed longevity and whether I could develop markers and/or improve the treatment so longevity is no longer compromised.
I was involved in teaching and supervision of two courses: 1. Seed Science and Technology (PPH31306) 2. Plant Cell and Tissue Culture (PPH30306) I mentored students to formulate research proposals, guided them to design and execute practical experiments and supervised laboratory work.
Student Assistant at Institute of Horticultural Production Systems, Section Phytomedicine Project : BonaRes ORDIAmur: Overcoming the reproductive disease using an integrated approach Reactions of apple on replanted soil at the level of gene expression Biofumigation to combat soil fatigue
Internship in floriculture