Marcel van Verk

Marcel van Verk is a seasoned professional in crop data science and bioinformatics, currently serving as the Guest Professor of Crop Data Science at the University of Düsseldorf since February 2025 and as Vice-President and Team Leader of Crop Data Science at KeyGene since February 2017. With extensive experience in leading data science teams and providing technical leadership, Marcel has managed over 20 research projects at Utrecht University, where positions included Senior Scientist and Senior Postdoc. Previous roles encompass consultancy at ExPlant Technologies, postdoctoral research at Leiden University focusing on molecular genetics and bioinformatics, and freelance informatician work at Royal HaskoningDHV. Marcel holds a PhD in Plant Cell Physiology from Leiden University and dual bachelor’s degrees in Biotechnology and Process Technology. Leadership experience includes chairing the PhD student council in Experimental Plant Sciences, representing a diverse community of approximately 250 members across six universities.