CIP Appoints Dr. Maarten van Zonneveld to Lead Global Crop Biodiversity and Genebank Innovation

The International Potato Center (CIP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Maarten van Zonneveld as Head of Genebank. In this role, Dr. van Zonneveld will lead CIP’s Biodiversity Science Goal, providing strategic and scientific direction for the conservation, management, and use of CIP’s globally significant genetic resources collections. He will report to Dr. Hugo Campos, Deputy Director General for Science and Innovation. 

Dr. van Zonneveld, a Dutch national, is a globally recognized expert in genebank management and biodiversity science, bringing more than 20 years of international experience across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. His expertise spans scientific leadership of genebank operations, integration of ex situ and in situ conservation approaches, quality management systems, and resource mobilization and partnerships. He holds a PhD from Ghent University (Belgium) and an MSc from Wageningen University & Research (the Netherlands), and has authored over 100 publications, including several in top scientific journals such as PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (USA). PNAS awarded him the coveted 2023 Cozzarelli Prize for a study highlighting the potential of forgotten food crops in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide healthy diets amid climate change. 

He joins CIP from the World Vegetable Center, where he served as Head of Genetic Resources and Genebank Manager, leading two international genebanks and strengthening global partnerships for the conservation and use of vegetable biodiversity. Prior to this, he worked as scientist and associate scientist at Bioversity International, supporting national programs and communities in genetic resources conservation and use. 

Dr. van Zonneveld assumed his new role on May 1 and is based at CIP headquarters in Lima, Peru.

About CIP’s Genebank and Biodiversity Science Goal

CIP’s genebank is one of the world’s most important repositories of potato, sweetpotato, and Andean root and tuber crop diversity, safeguarding thousands of unique accessions for current and future generations. Through advanced conservation methods, including in vitro storage and cryopreservation, the genebank ensures the long-term security and integrity of these vital genetic resources. 

A distinctive feature of CIP’s genebank is its integrated approach to conservation, combining ex situ preservation with in situ conservation in farmers’ fields and natural habitats. These complementary approaches enable the protection of genetic diversity both in controlled conditions and within evolving agroecosystems, helping maintain adaptation processes while ensuring secure backup collections. This dual strategy is a unique strength of CIP’s work and enhances the resilience and relevance of its genetic resources. 

As a global public good, the genebank plays a critical role in ensuring food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural systems. 

The Biodiversity Science Goal focuses on unlocking the potential of this diversity through cutting-edge research, conservation strategies, and partnerships. By integrating advanced genomics, data science, and participatory approaches, CIP aims to accelerate the use of genetic resources to develop resilient, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops while supporting farmers and food systems worldwide. 

Under Dr. van Zonneveld’s leadership, CIP anticipates further innovation in biodiversity science and an expanded global impact of its genetic resources work. 

CIP warmly welcomes Dr. van Zonneveld and looks forward to his contributions in advancing its mission.