Since June 2009, the Dahlem Center of Plant Sciences (DCPS) has represented the field of plant science within the Institute of Biology at Freie Universität Berlin. The DCPS covers a wide spectrum of plant biology disciplines, provides a platform for interdisciplinary collaborative research initiatives, and supports a variety of outreach activities. Members of the DCPS are involved in teaching plant biology at different levels, including programs for the general public. Among them is Professor Thomas Schmülling and his team, who – between historic brick buildings and old apple trees – are researching plants that might defy climate change.