Workshop by the Pontifical Academy and the Crop Trust on preserving plant diversity in the bio-digital age
Sustainability, Research |
The workshop “Conservation and use of crop diversity in the bio-digital age” took place on March 13, 2026, in Rome – organized by the Pontifical Academy of Science (PAS) and the Global Crop Diversity Trust. Agricultural scientist and plant genetist Prof. Chris-Carolin Schön was invited to give a lecture on genetic resources. Her research focuses on optimizing plant breeding processes to develop high-yielding, climate-adapted varieties and increase the genetic diversity of our crop species.
Genetic diversity as the foundation of sustainable agriculture
That was the topic of Prof. Schön’s lecture. Adapting crops to changing climate conditions is one of the central tasks of modern plant breeding. This process uses genetic diversity to specifically improve traits such as early seedling development or tolerance to cold and drought stress. To this purpose, locally adapted plant populations are used that no longer play a role in modern agriculture but are preserved in gene banks as a reservoir of usable genetic diversity.
Based on molecular analyses and meaningful phenotypic and physiological data, it is possible to identify genetic factors that influence plants’ adaptation to current and future environmental conditions. Once these factors are known, they can be used for the development of climate-adapted breeding strategies. The presented research results are mainly derived from the “MAZE” project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).
Gene banks as guardians of resources
According to the final report of the Pontifical Academy, there are approximately 900 gene banks worldwide, including the international gene banks managed by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen, near the North Pole, serves as a safety backup. These gene banks are guardians of resources which must be permanently protected. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture provides the institutional framework for access and benefit-sharing.
Research funding by the Pontifical Academy and the Crop Trust
The Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) was founded in 1603 and stands under the patronage of the reigning Pope. Its mission is to promote progress in mathematics, physics, and the natural sciences, as well as the study of related epistemological issues. The results of the meetings are communicated to the Pope, who is thus kept informed of the latest scientific findings and can incorporate them into his decisions and messages.
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is an independent international organization based in Bonn. The Crop Trust’s goal is to conserve and maintain the biodiversity and diversity of seed varieties in order to ensure food security for the world’s population.
