BoostCrop
In the face of climate change, ensuring a reliable and resilient food supply is one of the world’s most urgent challenges. Addressing this problem requires smart and sustainable technologies that can strengthen crop performance under changing environmental conditions. The BoostCrop team has improved plant growth by developing a collection of biocompatible molecules that help plants grow better using solar energy. These molecules were developed through close collaboration between chemists, physicists, plant biologists and agricultural scientists. They are used on crops as a water-based spray applied to the leaves. Once on the leaves, the molecules absorb ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and turn it into heat. This warming effect helps crops grow better in cooler climates and protects them from sudden frost during the day, making agriculture more reliable and productive in more areas.
Teamwork
The Boostcrop project represents a great example of how international interdisciplinary collaboration can develop innovative new approaches to such challenges. "It was great to work in this scientifically very diverse team, all contributing toward one common goal; and I was happy to see that our method of IR ion spectroscopy became integrated into this team effort", Oomens says.
Faraday Horizon Prize
The Faraday Horizon Prizes recognise significant recent novel discoveries or advances made in the area of physical chemistry. They will receive a professionally produced video showcasing the prize winning work and its importance and a trophy for the team.