Villers Timothy

Villers Timothy - Postdoctoral fellow

Timothy Villers is a postdoctoral researcher in the Nelissen lab at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. He obtained his Master of Science in Biology at Ghent University in 2020, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at VIB-UGent, where he studied the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP78A and its role in regulating plant growth. He is currently the lead researcher of the ASTROMY project, funded by BELSPO and the European Space Agency (ESA). The project aims to study plant growth in microgravity using the Maize Greenhouse Cube, a growth platform for maize seedlings aboard the International Space Station. By applying single-nuclei RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to returned samples, he aims to identify genes that can be targeted for crop improvement for bioregenerative life support systems in space and climate-resilient agriculture on Earth. In addition, Timothy serves as Access Coordinator for EMPHASIS-Belgium, facilitating access to plant phenotyping platforms within the consortium.

VIB launches new Agtech spin-off Rainbow Crops to develop climate-resilient crop varieties

VIB proudly announces the launch of its latest spin-off, Rainbow Crops, a next-generation Agtech company focused on engineering complex, high-value agronomic traits that have long been difficult to address. Through an AI-powered technology platform that combines multiplex genome editing and precision breeding, Rainbow Crops develops crop varieties that are both climate resilient and optimized for yield and other key traits. The company is backed by a strong syndicate of early-stage investors, including Agri Investment Fund (AIF), PINC (the venture capital arm of Paulig Group), Qbic and VIB.

Computational analyses

segmentation

Due to the highly dynamic nature of growth, data gathered through molecular analyses and high-throughput phenotyping often require custom developed software to fully capture the underlying biology. Therefore, we apply statistical techniques and machine learning approaches to link genomic and transcriptomic data to phenotypical data, to identify enhancers that drive growth-related genes and to identify spatial and temporal gradients. 

Research and team philosophy

field fun

In our weekly group meetings, we not only discuss science, but also focus on the well-being of the team. We make time for regular social activities, consider individual stress barometers and constantly look for new initiatives to create an atmosphere that promotes and maintains a sense of belonging. We encourage collaboration within the team, but also with our partners from academia, industry and other stakeholders. We strive to recognize the value and dignity of everyone and respect talents, beliefs, backgrounds and lifestyles.

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