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Grant recipient

Marek Mutwil

Accelerating crop resilience with AI-enabled gene function prediction and stress regulatory networks
Grant amount: DKK 12.499.670
Understanding what plant genes do and how they respond to changes in the environment is crucial for improving crops to withstand emerging environmental challenges such as drought and heat. However, accurately determining the functions of plant genes remains a significant challenge.

Our program will use cutting-edge AI techniques to accurately predict the functions of genes in plants. By constructing detailed "knowledge graphs" that map relationships between genes, environmental conditions, and plant metabolism, we can make highly precise predictions about gene functions. To take advantage of our predictions, we will experimentally test our predictions by modifying genes in rapeseed, with the goal of enhancing heat and drought resistance and yield. These approaches will significantly advance our ability to breed and engineer crops that are resilient to climate stresses, ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved food security.
Marek Mutwil
Associate Professor
Københavns Universitet, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences