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Prof. Dr. Ir. Felix Wäckers

Director, Department of Research & Development, Biobest Group, Belgium

Prof. Dr. Ir. Felix Wäckers

Discover insights from our expert keynote speaker

Director of Research & Development, Biobest Group N. V., Belgium

Prof. Dr. Ir. Felix Wäckers is an internationally recognised expert in plant–insect interactions and conservation biological control. After completing his PhD at Wageningen University & Research, he held research and academic positions at USDA-ARS, ETH Zürich, the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), and Lancaster University, where he served as Full Professor. He now leads R&D at Biobest, one of the world’s leading companies in pollination and biological control.

His work focuses on translating ecological insights into practical innovations for sustainable crop protection and biological pollination. Over his 35-year career, he has contributed to several major advancements in the field and has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications. He is widely recognised for bridging fundamental ecology with real-world application, transforming scientific knowledge into tools that growers can use every day. His work continues to shape modern biological control, influencing practices in greenhouses around the world.

Keynote Lecture:
Latest Developments in Biological Control in Protected Crops

He will highlight recent advances in biological control for protected crop systems, discussing new ecological insights, innovative technologies, and practical strategies that enhance reliability and sustainability in greenhouse pest management.