dr.ir. SM (Steven) Driever

Photosynthesis

My main research interest is the process of photosynthesis; how it works, interacts with the environment, in response to stresses and finally, how this process can be improved.

Photosynthesis is the basis of crop production and so my aim is to understand what limits photosynthesis in and how these limitations can be removed. Unlike animals, plants are unable to move away from unfavourable conditions. They therefore need to be able to adapt to their environment and they have found ingenious ways of doing this! Especially the interaction of the plant, its photosynthetic performance, with the environment is fascinating.

• Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) (1-1-2024/31-12-2027)
  The panel meets twice a year to evaluate doctoral and postdoctoral research proposals submitted by junior researchers in Flanders. It is composed of 12 academics who are top experts in their discipline(s) and can adopt a generalist approach to evaluate research proposals in their wider field of study. The selection process consists of an online preselection and an interview phase. Preselections take place at the end of March (postdoc) and the second half of June (PhD). The interview meetings in Brussels are scheduled to take place in late April – early May (postdoc) and September (PhD). In 2024 you are only expected to contribute to the evaluation of the PhD applications. A member is appointed for a period of 3 years (once renewable).