About us
The IJPB, the Institute Jean-Pierre Bourgin for Plant Sciences, is a large research unit (UMR 1318) renowned for its unique combination of experimental resources and multidisciplinary expertise in biology, chemistry and applied mathematics.
Our research aims to develop concepts and tools that extend our fundamental knowledge about plant biology and agronomy towards innovative solutions for complex scientific and social challenges. In addition to scientific discovery, our remit also includes transfer and sharing through teaching, training, outreach and partnerships.
Read all about the IJPB:
> Our scientific priorities and values
> Organisation
> Research departments
> The Plant Observatory dedicated to multi-level plant phenotyping
> Common services
> Teaching and training
> Outreach
> Partnerships
> Productions
> Publications and IJPB HAL collection
The IJPB is affiliated to two governing bodies. Firstly INRAE, with personnel belonging to both the Plant Biology and Breeding (BAP) and Science for Food, Bioproducts and Waste Engineering (TRANSFORM) divisions. Our second governing body is AgroParisTech, whose personnel are in the Life and Health Sciences (SVS) department. The IJPB also belongs to the circle of 14 entities of University Paris-Saclay and is a founding member of its Graduate School of Research dedicated to Plant Sciences (SPS-GSR).
The IJPB is situated on the INRAE Versailles campus, which is within the park of the Versailles Palace and local administration is through the INRAE Ile-de-France - Versailles-Saclay research centre.
Where we come from
Over the past 14 years, the IJPB has built on the expertise of its five founding units (Cell Biology Laboratory, Plant Nitrogen Nutrition Unit, Seed Biology Laboratory, Genetics and Plant Breeding Station, and Biological Chemistry Laboratory) that had pioneered work in several Plant Science research fields, continuing the scientific legacy of the researchers who have shaped its history. Georges Morel and his students made several important discoveries in plant cell biology (meristem culture) and pathology (Agrobacterium). Thereafter, Jean-Pierre Bourgin, whose seminal research on haploidization in plants had a tremendous impact in the field, headed this laboratory for several years. He notably favoured the emergence of molecular genetics, genomics and the use of model species like Arabidopsis in plant biology, together with scientists like Yves Chupeau, Michel Caboche, Georges Pelletier, Alain Deshayes, Francine Casse-Delbart and many others since. In a working climate based on trust, solidarity and respect, they established the basis for a world-renowned institute in plant cell and molecular genetics. We are proud of this heritage!
Jean-Pierre Bourgin (1944-1994)
The Cell Biology Laboratory in 1992