Centre for Plant Sciences

Plants are essential food sources for humans and animals. Fundamental plant science and new agricultural technologies are critical to driving solutions that boost crop production, address food insecurity, and minimize environmental impact.

Plants provide sustainable materials, consumer goods like sugar and bioethanol, pharmaceuticals, and ornamental species that improve wellbeing. Through photosynthesis, they produce oxygen and sequester atmospheric CO2, acting as essential carbon sinks. By interacting with microbes to fix nitrogen and other nutrients, they play a critical role in mitigating climate change.

In the School of Biology, we deliver fundamental and applied research, and facilitate translation from the laboratory to farm environments tackling real-world challenges.  

We leverage recent breakthroughs in genomics with advanced biochemical, cellular, and molecular techniques to explore how plants grow, develop, and respond to abiotic stresses and diseases.

Our research spans a broad spectrum of themes centred around plant biology, aiming to enhance both fundamental understanding and practical applications in agriculture and environmental management.

Plant development and cellular processes

We explore the intricate processes of plant development, gene and protein regulation, local and systemic coordination through hormones (e.g., auxin, cytokinin, and strigolactone) and other molecular signals such as peptides, sugars and mobile proteins. We also examine how plants coordinate developmental and environmental responses, intercellular communication and the secretory pathway. 

Plant-environment interactions

We look at interactions in plant environments, particularly through studies on plant parasites specifically nematodes and plant responses to environmental stimuli which dictate architecture and growth. We work on transport mechanisms for nutrient uptake and recovery from soil and waste waters.

Sustainable agriculture and net zero

We develop innovative agricultural technologies and integrate ecological principles to foster sustainable and net zero agriculture practices. By employing cross-disciplinary approaches and leveraging advanced biotechnological applications, our goal is to advance crop improvement and sustainable agricultural systems that are vital for global food security and ecosystem health.

Genetics, epigenetics and plant breeding   

We also research mechanisms of chromosomal stability, DNA repair, and meiotic and crossover recombination to enhance plant growth under environmental stress and develop climate-resilient crops. We also look at how these processes impact seed quality and reproduction. 

Our researchers have strong international and interdisciplinary networks. The Centre for Plant Sciences is involved in many national and international research collaborations including with Europe, USA, India, Japan and China.

We also work with researchers who are interested in Sustainable Ecosystems and Adaptation and Future Agrisystems to deepen fundamental knowledge and overcome common goals, such as food security and biodiversity loss. 

Black in Plant Science Network

The Black in Plant Science Network provides support to UK-based persons of Black heritage studying, working, or engaging with plant science.