This May, the European life sciences community will gather in Antwerp for the 21st edition of Knowledge for Growth. Among the highlights of the event is a special moment: Professor Marc Van Montagu – a pioneer of molecular plant biology – will be honored with the Knowledge for Growth Achievement Award. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose work has helped shape modern biotechnology and whose influence still guides today’s agrifood innovations – right from the heart of Belgium.

From basement chemist to global changemaker

Marc Van Montagu’s story begins like many great scientific journeys – with curiosity. As a teenager, he built a chemistry lab in his parents’ basement, drawn to the mysteries of life at the molecular level. His fascination with science only deepened at Ghent University, where he earned a PhD in organic chemistry and biochemistry, laying the foundation for decades of discovery.

In the 1970s, Van Montagu and his collaborator Jozef Schell uncovered a groundbreaking insight in molecular biology: the Ti-plasmid gene transfer mechanism of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This discovery led to the development of a transformation technology now used to produce genetically engineered plants around the world.

“I’m proud to have contributed tools to help scientists around the world create solutions for the collective challenges we face.” – Marc Van Montagu

“I am happy to have done my part,” says Van Montagu. “I’m proud to have contributed tools to help scientists around the world create solutions for the collective challenges we face. The innovations I’ve seen developed, both in the past and present, make me optimistic for our future.”

Founding a Belgian biotech movement

Van Montagu’s efforts didn’t stop at academic discovery. In 1982, he co-founded Plant Genetic Systems (PGS), Belgium’s first biotech company. Together with another of his lab’s spin-offs, CropDesign, these bold companies helped catalyze Belgium’s reputation as a global biotech hub and opened the door for countless agrifood innovations.

His work has empowered farmers and fed communities through the creation of genetically modified crops resistant to pests, diseases and environmental stress – advances that continue to support sustainable farming practices globally.

Following his retirement, Van Montagu launched the International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO) to foster biotech solutions for better global agriculture, particularly in low-income countries. In 2015, IPBO founded the Marc and Nora Van Montagu Fund with a focus on sustainable agriculture in Africa.

“There is so much hope to be found in scientific progress.” – Marc Van Montagu

“There is so much hope to be found in scientific progress,” says Van Montagu. “I wish for us to foster a culture of curiosity, where people aren’t afraid to ask questions – a society of lifelong learning, where education isn’t only about acquiring knowledge, but also how you can participate in fundamental science, and help make the world a better place.”

Science with global impact

Across more than 1,100 scientific publications and 90,000 citations, Van Montagu’s influence has rippled across disciplines and continents. He has been a UNIDO Goodwill Ambassador, President of the European Federation of Biotechnologists and a member of 11 scientific academies. His awards include the prestigious Japan Prize (1998), the World Food Prize (2013) and, in 1990, a rare honor from the Belgian monarchy: the title of Baron, bestowed by King Baudouin.

“Marc Van Montagu has dedicated his life to tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, with science as his tool and humanity as his purpose.” – Ann Van Gysel

But beyond the accolades, his legacy is one of collaboration, imagination and bold scientific thinking. Ann Van Gysel, CEO of MEDVIA and flanders.bio, notes that this mindset continues to fuel the spirit of the European life sciences sector. “The growth of the biotech ecosystem in Flanders began decades ago with only a handful of visionary scientists,” says Van Gysel. “I had the fortune of starting my own career as a PhD student in Marc Van Montagu’s lab, where it was clear to me that he was a trailblazer, but also that he looked beyond personal ambition. He has dedicated his life to tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, with science as his tool and humanity as his purpose. It is an immense honor and personal pleasure to present him with the Knowledge for Growth Achievement Award.”

Meet the legend, join the movement

Knowledge for Growth isn’t just a conference – it’s a catalyst for ideas, partnerships and progress. In 2024, the event welcomed 1,200 delegates from 21 countries, including leaders from 365 companies, 90 speakers and 86 exhibitors. This year’s edition, held from 7-8 May 2025 at the Flanders Meeting and Convention Center in Antwerp, promises to be even more impactful.

It’s your chance to meet not only Marc Van Montagu but also dozens of other visionaries shaping the future of life sciences – from agtech and biotech to healthtech and beyond. The exciting program has talks and panels by local and international speakers, as well as a plenary featuring Ann Van Gysel and the minister-president of the Flemish government Matthias Diependaele on how we can accelerate the future of health innovation in Flanders.

Register now for Knowledge for Growth 2025 to connect with the pioneers of Belgian life sciences – and the next generation of breakthroughs.

Join us and get ready for a healthy future!