Steven Engelen- Evidence-Based Research

Steven Engelen brings science and practice together in everything he does. During his studies in bioengineering, specialising in cell and gene biotechnology at Ghent University, it soon became clear where his focus lay: plants and plant breeding.

After completing his studies, Steven remained active in academia, where he worked on maize breeding. Using molecular techniques, he contributed to the development of genetic markers for cold tolerance and early growth. This was the first step in a career where data and plant knowledge reinforce one another.

The next phase took him into the international industry. At Bayer and later BASF, Steven worked on a wide range of breeding projects. From fibre quality in cotton to oil quality in rapeseed and disease resistance in crops such as wheat and soya. His work resulted in several publications and patents, each with a clear focus: improving plants, underpinned by research.

In 2022, Steven made a conscious move into floriculture and joined FlorAmor. There, he took the lead in internalising and further developing azalea and rhododendron breeding. Meanwhile, calliope breeding has also been added and new opportunities are being actively explored.

Within FlorAmor, Steven advocates an evidence-based approach to breeding. Data, observation and experience together form the basis for decisions that impact quality, uniformity and sustainability.

This link to sustainability runs like a thread through his work. Steven was therefore the driving force behind FlorAmor’s sustainability charter. Today, this charter serves as an important compass within the organisation. Breeding objectives play a key role in this, with a focus on future-oriented solutions that strengthen both growers and the market.

More about Steven

• Steven Engelen’s LinkedIn profile
• Steven Engelen’s ResearchGate profile