The Jean-Pierre Bourgin Institute

Dedicated from its origins to research in agronomy and plant biology, following a long local tradition predating INRA, the Versailles Research Centre hosts laboratories which pioneered several research fields. Georges Morel and his students made several important discoveries in plant cell biology (meristem culture) and pathology (Agrobacterium). Thereafter, Jean-Pierre Bourgin, whose seminal research on haploidization in plants had a tremendous impact in the field, headed this laboratory, with dedication, for several years. He notably favoured the emergence of molecular genetics, genomics and the use of model species like Arabidopsis in plant biology. Today, the four INRA research units of the Jean-Pierre Bourgin Institute share multidisciplinary concepts and tools, in order to develop new approaches in plant biology and agronomy, and face new questions from the society.

The Jean-Pierre Bourgin Institute, headed by David Bouchez, comprises four laboratories :

- Genetics & Plant Breeding Station (SGAP, director Philippe Guerche)
- Plant Nitrogen Nutrition Unit (NAP, director Françoise Vedele)
- Cell Biology Laboratory (LBC, director Herman Höfte)
- Seed Biology Laboratory (LBS, director Annie Marion-Poll)

They are all affiliated to the INRA scientific direction « Plants & Plant Products» and the Research Departments Plant Biology (NAP, LBC, LBS) and Genetics & Plant Breeding (SGAP).

Our objectives :

Promote inter-disciplinary research and scientific communication
Optimize research efficiency through sharing of expertises, ideas, research facilities and equipment
Develop our links with partners (scientific collaborations, teaching & universities, Europe)
Enhance our legibility and the public perception of our disciplines in Europe, favour scientific culture and dialog with all components of the society.

IJPB in summary : booklet 2008 (.pdf file)