dr. P (Patricija) Gran

Patricija is a researcher in seed technology at Wageningen UR, where she has worked since 2024 to lead applied research projects that bridge cutting-edge academic insights with the practical needs of the seed industry. Her work focuses on improving seed quality, longevity, and health through interdisciplinary collaboration.

She coordinates the Seeds for the Future Initiative – a strategic collaboration between leading seed companies and Wageningen University & Research. The initiative aims to transform scientific advances in seed biology into practical innovations in seed production, treatment, and storage.

Patricija also co-organizes the Master Class on Seed Technology, a professional training program designed for seed sector experts to explore seed biology, novel technologies, and regulatory developments.

From 2020 to 2024, she completed her PhD at Wageningen University under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ing. Leonie Bentsink. Her research focused on the stability and protection of stored mRNAs in primed seeds, in close collaboration with seed companies, with the goal of improving seed longevity – a critical trait for ensuring food security.

In addition to her research, she teaches and supervises MSc students in Seed Science and Technology and has been actively involved in science-policy engagement. From 2021 to 2025, she served as a member and later on as the board of the GeneSprout Initiative, where she led policy and press activities to foster dialogue on New Genomic Techniques and EU regulations.

Patricija holds a BSc in Horticultural Engineering from the University of Zagreb (2017) and an MSc in Plant Sciences from the University of Bonn (2019).

Her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems through seed science, biotechnology, and innovation.