CEPLAS - Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences - from complex traits towards synthetic modules is a joint effort of Heinrich Heine University, University of Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and Forschungszentrum Jülich. Researchers of these institutions are pursuing inventive strategies for sustainable plant production. The goal of the cluster initiative is to develop state-of-the-art methods for a second green revolution on the basis of innovative basic research and established know-how in plant research. CEPLAS focusses on cutting-edge science as well as on promotion of young scientists by novel study modules and individual training programmes.