About the Plant Sciences Program

At UC Santa Cruz, a small but outstanding plant science program has been a hallmark of the campus since its founding. The plant research cluster is a high impact and well-integrated interdisciplinary group that spans the Divisions of Physical and Biological Sciences and Social Sciences. The plant research cluster includes faculty with expertise in plant ecology and evolution, plant physiology and ecophysiology, restoration ecology and conservation, plant disease, agroecology and soil science, and plant molecular biology. Placement of the campus in the heart of California’s Central Coast, together with its rich history as a hub for innovation in restoration ecology and sustainable agriculture, provide the context for excellence in plant science.