About our research - PPS
We study plants and soil, and their interactions with the environment across all scales, from fundamental mechanisms that underpin photosynthesis and development through to interactions with other organisms and climate.
Plants
We use biochemical and biotechnological approaches to understand plant development and to prime the plant immune system against pests and diseases. Our research extends to ecosystem-wide processes across all timescales, such as biosphere-atmosphere interactions, climate change impacts, feedbacks and mitigation, and sustainable land-management practices such as regenerative agriculture.
Photosynthesis
We research the molecular mechanisms and regulation of photosynthesis using model organisms to redesign and improve the photosynthetic machinery in crop plants. We use atomic force microscopy, cryo-EM and fluorescence spectroscopy to study light reactions at a molecular level and use molecular genetic techniques and plant physiology to improve understanding of key processes, including stomatal development and regulation, leading to better drought tolerance and water use efficiency of major crops.
Soil
We examine soil microbial community dynamics and function, plant-soil feedbacks, and symbiotic interactions across a range of pathogens and beneficial microbes, helping us to build better understanding of the true diversity, structure and function of soil communities across natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems. Using quantitative analyses of soil and plant carbon fluxes we develop ecosystem-wide carbon budgets and improve our understanding and potential to trap and store carbon in soils and vegetation.
Research facilities
Our plant growth and experimental facilities are world class and span the full range of controlled-to-field environments, including Sir David Read Controlled Environment Facility, the Arthur Willis Environment Centre, and Bradfield Environment Centre.
Our research uses the latest techniques, including molecular genetics and epigenetics, metabolomics, imaging technologies, gas exchange analysis, stable- and radio-isotope analyses and plant growth analysis in the lab and field.
Our fieldwork deploys advanced methods for analysing the cycling of C, N and P in agricultural and natural ecosystems, and the emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. We use remote sensing and computational models to upscale plant and ecosystem processes to the Earth System from the past and into the future, ensuring that our work is set in a truly global context across all timescales.
Research institutes and Centres of excellence
Our research in plants, photosynthesis and soil is supported by and feeds into the following research institutes and centres of excellence.