Biography
Pierre Delaplace holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and Biological Engineering from Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux (2007). Currently an Associate Professor at ULiège – Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, he specializes in plant ecophysiology, with a particular focus on root system functioning, plant nutrient use efficiency, and stress physiology. His research bridges interface biology and rhizosphere ecophysiology, aiming to optimize agrosystem management and sustainable crop production.
He has developed extensive expertise in the characterization of biostimulant products, innovative fertilizers, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). His work also involves non-destructive plant stress diagnostics using chlorophyll a fluorescence, both under controlled conditions and in the field.
Among his leading projects was the BIOFAIR project (BiodivERsA, 2021–2024), where he acted as project manager. This European initiative addresses the role of soil biodiversity and farming innovations in enhancing the resilience of wheat-based cropping systems — a key contribution to sustainable cereal production. His long-standing involvement in cereal-related research includes projects on phosphorus management in wheat and the development of root phenotyping tools. Through both academic leadership and multidisciplinary collaborations, he actively advances plant production systems adapted to global change challenges.