A cutting-edge AI tool can now predict how well seed potatoes will grow into healthy potato plants. Developed by biologists from Utrecht University in collaboration with TU Delft and plant breeders, the tool uses DNA data from bacteria and fungi found on seed potatoes and drone images of potato fields. “This marks the beginning of a new era in farming, where microbiology and AI come together to enhance agriculture.”

Find out more about this breakthrough here.

After almost eight years of collaborating in interdisciplinary and societal impact-driven research, it is time to showcase the innovations and efforts created by the Erasmus Initiatives. This conference offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far—celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and drawing valuable lessons to inform future endeavors. Discussions will explore strategies for sustaining impact-driven research, overcoming interdisciplinary hurdles, and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Attendees will gain insights into how to translate these lessons into actionable plans for their own research and collaborations.

This event is going to take place on Thursday, March 13, and it is open to researchers within and beyond Erasmus University who are engaged or interested in interdisciplinary research and societal impact. Find out more about the event here.

Erasmus University Rotterdam is proud to host the 23rd International Conference on Cultural Economics organized by the Association of Cultural Economics International (ACEI). The conference brings together a diverse range of scholars and practitioners from around the world that share an interest in research into the economic aspects of the arts and culture.

The conference will be held in person, starting on Tuesday, June 24th and ending on Friday, June 27th. Paper abstracts can be submitted by February 1st, 2025. Find out more about the event here.