Dr. Aska Goverse is Associate Professor ius promovendi at the Laboratory of Nematology in the Plant Science Group of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the Netherlands. Dr. Goverse is coordinator of the research and innovation project NEM-EMERGE, which was granted in 2023 in the framework of Horizon Europe by the European Commission. NEM EMERGE aims to provide a spectrum of sustainable, science-based solutions to counter the emergence and proliferation of invasive and virulent nematodes in Europe and beyond. NEM EMERGE focuses on root-knot nematode problems in tomato and cyst nematode problems in
potato as the result of genetic host selection and global warming. Research activities include
the development of molecular diagnostic tools, spatial distribution modeling for risk
assessment, heat stable resistance and the fostering the antagonistic potential of soils. To
ensure the adoption and implementation of NEM-EMERGE tools in the sector, a multi-actor
approach is used based on stakeholder engagement and demands. In addition, Dr. Goverse
is contributing to education by teaching and supervising BSc and MSc students in the Plant
Science and Plant Biotechnology program at WUR. Moreover, she is leading her research
group on molecular mechanisms underlying plant susceptibility and resistance to nematodes.
Current research projects focus on the chemical communication between nematodes and
plants, identification and functional characterization of resistance genes and the structure
informed analysis of plant immune receptors in potato and tomato. Amongst other career
highlights and responsibilities, Dr. Goverse is chair of the Educational Committee and Board
Member of the Graduate School for Experimental Plant Sciences in the Netherlands.