Our research encompasses critical areas pertaining to plant diseases and their impact on global agriculture. In the face of environmental challenges such as global warming, pollution, the excessive use of chemicals in farming, and a growing population, it becomes increasingly crucial to comprehend how plants safeguard themselves against pathogen threats. This knowledge is essential for the well-being of humanity and the advancement of agriculture.

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At the Ding Lab, located in IBL Leiden, we are at the forefront of investigating how plants activate their immune systems in response to diverse pathogens. Our primary objective is to unravel the intricacies of this immune activation process, leading to a comprehensive understanding of plant defense mechanisms. By gaining insights into these mechanisms, we aim to discover effective means of controlling crop diseases, ultimately fostering improvements in agriculture.

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Our lab is currently engaged in pioneering the following research projects that push the boundaries of knowledge in this field.