In the beginning of this year, Prof. Dr. Ismail Cakmak started conducting his research at the Institute of Applied Plant Nutrition (IAPN) as well as at the Department for Crop Sciences, in the Section of Plant Nutrition and Crop Physiology at the University of Göttingen. The agricultural scientist from Turkey is internationally highly recognized for his expertise in the field of plant nutrition and plant physiology, in which he connects basic research with practical application.
One Year of Research in Göttingen
Winner of the Georg Forster Research Award: Prof. Dr. Ismail Cakmak. (Photograph: Cakmak)
For one year, Prof. Cakmak will be working in Göttingen, thereby strengthening the bonds of scientific co-operation between IAPN, Göttingen University and Sabanci University in Istanbul. Prof. Cakmak aims to investigate the role of mineral nutrients – especially magnesium, potassium and zinc – in improving stress tolerance of plants. The adaptation of agricultural production processes to meet the changing climate conditions is a major research focus of the IAPN.
Additionally, Prof. Cakmak will contribute to the teaching activities at IAPN and intensify the relationship between Sabanci University in Istanbul and IAPN through joint new research and education study programs. In 2014, he already conducted research at the IAPN within the scope of the Georg Forster Research Award of the Humboldt Foundation.
„In cooperation with Prof. Cakmak we will strengthen the knowledge on the relevance of proper plant nutrition for plant growth under unfavorable, stress-inducing conditions such as water deficiency, heat and excessive solar radiation we gained at his earlier stay”, said Prof. Dr. Klaus Dittert, Scientific Director of IAPN and the Section of Plant Nutrition and Crop Physiology. Prof. Cakmak will focus on the relevance of potassium and magnesium on partitioning of photoassimilates within plants, and effects on plant shoot and root growth. “I am glad to be at IAPN again to contribute further to establish and strengthen the relationship between IAPN, Sabanci University and Göttingen University”, said Prof. Cakmak. “There are so many joint interests between our institutions in terms of conducting high-priority research, exchanging students and establishment of joint PhD and teaching programs.”
About Ismail Cakmak
Born in 1959, Ismail Cakmak earned his doctorate in 1988, at Hohenheim University and as a Humboldt-fellow went on to conduct post-doctorate research in Hannover and Hohenheim, among other places. Since 2000, he is Professor of Plant Nutrition and Nutritional Physiology at Sabanci University, Istanbul. Among other projects, he coordinates a global research project on the role of fertilizer strategy in improving the concentrations of micronutrients (especially zinc) in cereal grains. The HarvestZinc project (www.harvestzinc.org) has been established under the internationally recognized “HarvestPlus program (www.harvestplus.org) which seeks to provide adequate amounts of bioavailable micronutrients to millions of people in the developing world.