EMPHASIS-Belgium
Main objective
Continued improvements in crop performance are needed to cope with climate change and to keep pace with population growth. To tackle these global challenges, novel approaches are required to identify superior crop varieties and to explain the genetics of agriculturally important traits. Plant phenotyping covers the description and characterization of such complex plant traits and crop responses, using non-destructive image analysis-based tools in the context of plant research and crop breeding. Synergies between Flemish phenotyping installations, coordination of phenotyping initiatives and training, and access to state-of-the-art phenotyping platforms is needed to drive world-leading plant and agricultural sciences.
Research approach
Develop a national node for the distributed plant phenotyping infrastructure EMPHASIS. EMPHASIS-Belgium will invest in a multidisciplinary approach, from lab to field, by (i) substantially upgrading already available controlled environments and field-based plant phenotyping infrastructures at the partner institutes to meet international standards, and (ii) extending an integrated FAIR data management system that is linked to EMPHASIS Europe.
EMPHASIS-Belgium Open call for projects!
Would you like to run an experiment on a platform hosted by either of the EMPHASIS-Belgium Partners?
Now is your chance!
Navigate to the platform of your choice and apply by submitting an inquiry form!
- Opening date: 1/9/2026
- Closing date: 31/10/2026
Upcoming EMPHASIS-Belgium community event !
Phenotyping installations and services within EMPHASIS-Belgium
Each of the EMPHASIS-Belgium Partners have phenotyping installations and services available for use, have a look!
VIB Plant Systems Biology
VIB Plant Systems Biology (PSB) houses multiple automated phenotyping platforms that offer unique opportunities to research plant growth and adaptation over time under diverse treatments and environmental conditions.
VIB Agro-Incubator
The VIB Agro-Incubator greenhouse comprises the IPSA platform, a large-scale high-throughput phenotyping facility and automated precision sprayer, ideal for researchers and agricultural companies looking for valorization and upscaling of their crop research in a collaborative and service-minded environment.
ILVO
ILVO hosts the HYDRAS field facility, equipped for both above- and belowground measurements, enabling unique insights into plant responses in realistic field conditions.
VITO
VITO provides a suite of advanced Earth Observation and Climate Modelling services tailored to support phenotyping and agricultural applications.
The bigger picture
European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures
The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures, is a strategic instrument to develop the scientific integration of Europe and to strengthen its international outreach.
European Infrastructure for Plant Phenotyping
EMPHASIS enables researchers to use facilities, resources and services for plant phenotyping across Europe.
EMPHASIS-Belgium
Forms a national node of EMPHASIS-Europe which aims to expand and upgrade critical phenotyping infrastructure and provides access to infrastructure and data for researchers and industry. EMPHASIS-Belgium also engages with the Belgian phenotyping community and organizes training and outreach.
The Research Foundation – Flanders
The Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) stimulates and financially supports research. Through the International Research Infrastructure (IRI) programme it funds the EMPHASIS-Belgium node.
Upcoming EMPHASIS-Belgium community event !
Research approach
Develop a national node for the distributed plant phenotyping infrastructure EMPHASIS. EMPHASIS-Belgium will invest in a multidisciplinary approach, from lab to field, by (i) substantially upgrading already available controlled environments and field-based plant phenotyping infrastructures at the partner institutes to meet international standards, and (ii) extending an integrated FAIR data management system that is linked to EMPHASIS Europe.
PlantComp 2022
IPPS 2022
