Plant Sciences
An internationally recognised centre for molecular plant science.
Plants form the basis of life on Earth providing food, fuel and even the oxygen we breathe. Research in plant science is central to facing global challenges of food security, renewable energy, conservation and climate change. The Division of Plant Sciences was established in 2007, creating an internationally recognised centre for molecular plant science addressing these themes by increasing understanding of genes and processes underpinning important plant traits (yield, disease resistance, stress tolerance, developmental characteristics, end-use quality).
Plant Sciences currently has eleven PIs and is supported by external funding from BBSRC, EU, industry and others. We are located at the James Hutton Institute on the outskirts of Dundee with whom we have a long-standing strategic partnership supported by five joint appointments, substantial collaborative external funding and PhD studentships.
The partnership brings together our discovery-based molecular plant science investigating fundamental questions of plant biology, with scientists with knowledge of applied research in crop species including front-line crop and pathogen genomics, genetics and cultivar production.
This vibrant centre for plant science provides opportunities for excellent scientists with research ideas relevant to funding priorities interested in developing new collaborations and translational opportunities.
We are passionate about engaging the public about our science and the critical importance of plants in all of our lives.
Head of Division
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Deputy Head of Division
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Academic staff
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Associates
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Key contacts
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Gallagher | Lab Manager | [email protected] |
| Stephanie Sykes | Technician | [email protected] |
| Dr Davide Bulgarelli | Public Engagement Champion | [email protected] |
| Secretary | [email protected] |
Stories
Press release
A new project led by the University of Dundee will sow the seeds of UK food security by protecting the supply of some of the country’s crucial crops.
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A consortium comprising The James Hutton Institute, the University of Dundee, Greenvale and McCain Foods was honoured and delighted to be awarded the Hescott-Meredith Memorial Award, at the British Potato awards 2025
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The James Hutton Institute has announced that Dr Sarah McKim alongside Dr Kelly Houston and Dr Isabelle Colas are the new joint deputy directors of one of its innovation centres, the International Barley Hub (IBH).
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The winners of the School of Life Sciences awards for 2024 were announced by Associate Dean, Research Professor Claire Halpin. The awards recognise excellence by our staff and postgraduate students.
Press release
A major, multi-million pound study led by the University of Dundee will aim to reveal the secrets of an invisible war that threatens food production worldwide.
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Professor Paul Birch was awarded the British Society for Plant Pathology (BSPP) 2025 RKS Wood Prize in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of plant pathology