Silke Hemming

Background

About Silke Hemming

Dr. Silke Hemming, born in Düsseldorf, Germany has studied Horticultural Sciences at the University of Hanover, Germany. She got her phD at the University of Hanover in 1998 in the Engineering department, completing a thesis with the title ”The effect of photoselective greenhouse covering materials on ornamental plants”. Since she works at Wageningen University and Research Centre at different institutes in different positions. First as junior researcher at IMAG as researcher at Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group (2003-2005) and since 2005 at Plant Sciences Group (2005-2011). Since 2007 she is leader of the scientific research team Greenhouse Technology within Wageningen UR. Silke Hemming is an well known expert on the field of novel greenhouse design concepts and modern greenhouse coverings, worked on several projects related to increasing light transmission, changing light spectrum, the effect of diffuse light, the possibilities of NIR-reflecting coverings and the development of modern coatings for glass coverings. The WUR LightLab is a unique facility with the most modern measurement equipment for optical properties of greenhouse materials. Silke was project leader several international research projects on greenhouse systems in different climate zones world-wide, designed greenhouse concepts for tropical lowland areas in Indonesia, sub-tropical climate of Taiwan, sustainable greenhouses for semi-arid climates in Turkey, net covered structures for Mediterranean Areas and several energy saving greenhouse concepts in The Netherlands. Projects are typically with strong cooperation with industry partners. Next tot that, Silke initiated research on the field of artificial intelligence and greenhouses control and is leader of three international challenges on Autonomous greenhouses. Her group has expertise on the field of energy saving, greenhouse climate, water saving, modelling, data science, computer vision, sensors and robotics for greenhouse and indoor farming applications. Silke Hemming is well-connected in an international research network and is regularly invited for international symposia to give keynote lectures.