The 2024 winner of the Plant Breeding Academy’s Outstanding Student Award is Mark van Gerven, Breeding Manager Allium at Bejo Zaden B.V. in the Netherlands. This prestigious PBA award was presented to Mark by PBA Director, Jovan Djordjevic, at the Euroseeds Congress in Copenhagen on October 15, 2024. Jovan added: "Mark is a current onion breeder, and we are glad that UCD PBA could enhance his expertise. He was passionate and dedicated during the two years of study, like most of the other students, but Mark stood out in Class VII for his empathy and willingness to help his fellow students.

Learn more about the 2024 Outstanding Student Award Winner, Mark van Gerven >>

Mark’s EPBA Class VII graduated in June 2024 and the next European Plant Breeding Academy class, Class VIII, will begin in March 2025 in Enkhuizen, Netherlands. The EPBA VIII Application is still open but space is limited, only 4 spots left to be filled!

~ Watch the video interview between Jovan Djordjevic and Marcel Bruins as they discuss the European Plant Breeding Academy and why you should attend Class VIII: Watch Here >>