14-PSIL Combining Algal and Plant Photosynthesis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Plant Sciences
Abstract
In most plants, growth rate is limited by the rate at which carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is taken up and converted to sugars in the process of photosynthesis. The enzyme responsible for the first step in this process, Rubisco, does not work at its potential maximum efficiency at the current levels of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. If levels were much higher, photosynthesis would be increased and plant productivity would be higher. There is an immediate requirement for increased crop productivity to provide food for the rising population of the planet. Our project addresses this problem. We are studying a mechanism present in unicellular green algae that results in high concentrations of carbon dioxide inside their photosynthesising cells (called a CO2- Concentrating Mechanism, or CCM), enabling Rubisco to work at maximum efficiency. During the initial CAPP1 programme, we discovered important new information about this mechanism, and using new and rapid methods we have identified novel algal genes and additional regulatory components which allow the CCM to operate in association with a specific micro-compartment called a pyrenoid. We have also successfully introduced some of these components into a model higher plant, Arabidopsis, and also successfully introduced a modified form of Rubisco which may facilitate aggregation into the pyrenoid. The ambitious goals of the CAPP2 extension will be to combine the expression of the CCM and pyrenoid in the Advanced Plant. Firstly, we will continue to identify genes required by the algae to achieve high concentrations of carbon dioxide inside the cells, and develop new markers and sensors to reveal the location and activity of these genes when expressed in the higher plant. Secondly, we will identify additional regulatory elements needed to form a pyrenoid, as well as exploring the impact on Rubisco enzyme efficiency and light utilisation. Thirdly, we will continue to introduce successive components into our model Advanced Plant so as to "stack" up the activities of CCM components and examine the extent of pyrenoid formation and enhanced productivity associated with the CCM. This work will provide new insights into how plants and algae acquire and use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, of great importance in predicting and coping with the current rapid changes in the atmosphere and hence in climate. The work will also contribute to strategies to increase global food security, because it will indicate new ways in which crop productivity can be increased.
Technical Summary
The CAPP2 programme will continue to discover and characterise new components of the Chlamydomonas CCM, in addition to known bicarbonate pumps and carbonic anhydrases, and identify regulatory elements, protein modifications, linkers and chaperones needed to aggregate Rubisco into a pyrenoid and progressively incorporate key components into Arabidopsis. Our approaches include:
1) Identify and characterize components of the Chlamydomonas pyrenoid, including growth phenotyping, complementation to identify the mutant locus and fluorescence tagging to identify pyrenoid-associated proteins. Pyrenoid defects will be screened from microscopy, Rubisco kinetics, CCM physiology and light use.
2) Pyrenoid structure, assembly and regulation will be defined using block-face scanning EM in Chlamydomonas and Advanced Plant chloroplasts. Chaperones and linkers will be identified using analytical ultracentrifugation and Blue Native PAGE, and other post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and S-S bond formation by LC-MS/MS.
3) To assemble a pyrenoid in the Advanced Plant, gene cassettes will be assembled and/or stacked into delivery vectors for transformation. Additional known CCM components will be introduced and location tested by fluorescent tags, and levels of untagged components by polyclonal antibodies. Repression of all native Rubisco in Arabidopsis double mutants and CCM characteristics will be combined in a single plant.
4) The Advanced Plant lines will be characterized physiologically to determine effectiveness of introduced CCM.
5) A FRET nanosensor will be developed to allow bicarbonate pools accumulated through the CCM to be visualized.
6) Modelling of inorganic carbon accumulation and effectiveness of pyrenoid operation will be undertaken in collaboration with colleagues at UIUC Illinois.
7) A central repository of genetic tools and materials will be developed for open access to the scientific and commercial communities.
1) Identify and characterize components of the Chlamydomonas pyrenoid, including growth phenotyping, complementation to identify the mutant locus and fluorescence tagging to identify pyrenoid-associated proteins. Pyrenoid defects will be screened from microscopy, Rubisco kinetics, CCM physiology and light use.
2) Pyrenoid structure, assembly and regulation will be defined using block-face scanning EM in Chlamydomonas and Advanced Plant chloroplasts. Chaperones and linkers will be identified using analytical ultracentrifugation and Blue Native PAGE, and other post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and S-S bond formation by LC-MS/MS.
3) To assemble a pyrenoid in the Advanced Plant, gene cassettes will be assembled and/or stacked into delivery vectors for transformation. Additional known CCM components will be introduced and location tested by fluorescent tags, and levels of untagged components by polyclonal antibodies. Repression of all native Rubisco in Arabidopsis double mutants and CCM characteristics will be combined in a single plant.
4) The Advanced Plant lines will be characterized physiologically to determine effectiveness of introduced CCM.
5) A FRET nanosensor will be developed to allow bicarbonate pools accumulated through the CCM to be visualized.
6) Modelling of inorganic carbon accumulation and effectiveness of pyrenoid operation will be undertaken in collaboration with colleagues at UIUC Illinois.
7) A central repository of genetic tools and materials will be developed for open access to the scientific and commercial communities.
Planned Impact
Who will benefit from this research?
1. Academics and researchers in all fields of plant research.
2. Annotators in genomics and metabolomics, database and germplasm curators.
3. UK, US and international science base.
4. Agro-industry including biotechnologists and plant breeders seeking to increase plant productivity and/or harvest index; metabolic engineers and metabolic modellers.
5. Agricultural community and advisors.
6. Postdoctoral researchers employed on the project.
7. Public.
8. The next generation: school children and undergraduate students.
9. Multinational and Government Agencies.
How will they benefit from this research?
1. Researchers will receive comprehensive new information about the CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) of algae, requirements for CO2 concentration in higher-plant chloroplasts, and mechanisms of assembly of supra-molecular complexes.
2. Researchers will have access at the point of publication to new genome annotation in Chlamydomonas, novel Arabidopsis material with altered primary carbon assimilation and models describing the relationship between the spatial distributions of inorganic carbon substrates and enzymes and the process of CO2 assimilation in chloroplasts.
3. The research will have a major impact on understanding of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation and its relationship to inorganic carbon concentrations in the chloroplast.
4. Agro-industry will receive information to underpin rational approaches to increase plant productivity, and relevant new genes and modelling methodologies.
5. The agricultural community will benefit in the longer term from sustainable crop improvements enabled by our research.
6. The PDRAs will receive a wide training in plant integrative biology, professional skills and wider training courses, and the opportunity to interact closely with researchers on an international scale. They will also receive training in transferable skills such as presentation and dissemination of results, and grant-writing. Enhanced career trajectory is already evident from support for the move of Dr McCormick to Edinburgh.
7. Our research findings relate to issues of public interest including sustainable crop production, global food security and atmospheric and climate change.
8. Our research has wide educational value, at all levels through schools and Universities.
What will be done to ensure they benefit from this research?
1. Publish results in high-impact journals in a timely fashion, with open access where possible. Present research results at international meetings and institutions.
2. Submit data and models to relevant international depositories. Notify new/corrected gene and enzyme annotations to community databases.
3. Exploit extensive existing contacts of the PIs with other academics with relevant research interests as soon as any exploitable results/materials are generated.
4. Make informal contacts with biotechnologists as soon as exploitable results are generated; recognise and protect PI to ensure wise and fruitful exploitation. Collectively we have vibrant contacts with relevant industries.
6. Provide information and mentoring to ensure uptake of postdoctoral training schemes, including regular progress reviews and career development plans. Encourage participation in the dissemination of results, and understanding of the wider implications and applications of the research.
7. Use results as part of our regular engagement with non-academic audiences, e.g. local interest groups, schools, local and national shows, science showcases, media.
8. Involve school children and undergraduate students in a practical sense (visits, websites providing teaching resources, blogging and laboratory summer secondments for high school students and undergraduates).
9. Seek opportunities to inform the work of UN agencies and DFID (UK) in the developing world, and the CGIAR international network of germplasm repositories and strategic regional research.
1. Academics and researchers in all fields of plant research.
2. Annotators in genomics and metabolomics, database and germplasm curators.
3. UK, US and international science base.
4. Agro-industry including biotechnologists and plant breeders seeking to increase plant productivity and/or harvest index; metabolic engineers and metabolic modellers.
5. Agricultural community and advisors.
6. Postdoctoral researchers employed on the project.
7. Public.
8. The next generation: school children and undergraduate students.
9. Multinational and Government Agencies.
How will they benefit from this research?
1. Researchers will receive comprehensive new information about the CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) of algae, requirements for CO2 concentration in higher-plant chloroplasts, and mechanisms of assembly of supra-molecular complexes.
2. Researchers will have access at the point of publication to new genome annotation in Chlamydomonas, novel Arabidopsis material with altered primary carbon assimilation and models describing the relationship between the spatial distributions of inorganic carbon substrates and enzymes and the process of CO2 assimilation in chloroplasts.
3. The research will have a major impact on understanding of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation and its relationship to inorganic carbon concentrations in the chloroplast.
4. Agro-industry will receive information to underpin rational approaches to increase plant productivity, and relevant new genes and modelling methodologies.
5. The agricultural community will benefit in the longer term from sustainable crop improvements enabled by our research.
6. The PDRAs will receive a wide training in plant integrative biology, professional skills and wider training courses, and the opportunity to interact closely with researchers on an international scale. They will also receive training in transferable skills such as presentation and dissemination of results, and grant-writing. Enhanced career trajectory is already evident from support for the move of Dr McCormick to Edinburgh.
7. Our research findings relate to issues of public interest including sustainable crop production, global food security and atmospheric and climate change.
8. Our research has wide educational value, at all levels through schools and Universities.
What will be done to ensure they benefit from this research?
1. Publish results in high-impact journals in a timely fashion, with open access where possible. Present research results at international meetings and institutions.
2. Submit data and models to relevant international depositories. Notify new/corrected gene and enzyme annotations to community databases.
3. Exploit extensive existing contacts of the PIs with other academics with relevant research interests as soon as any exploitable results/materials are generated.
4. Make informal contacts with biotechnologists as soon as exploitable results are generated; recognise and protect PI to ensure wise and fruitful exploitation. Collectively we have vibrant contacts with relevant industries.
6. Provide information and mentoring to ensure uptake of postdoctoral training schemes, including regular progress reviews and career development plans. Encourage participation in the dissemination of results, and understanding of the wider implications and applications of the research.
7. Use results as part of our regular engagement with non-academic audiences, e.g. local interest groups, schools, local and national shows, science showcases, media.
8. Involve school children and undergraduate students in a practical sense (visits, websites providing teaching resources, blogging and laboratory summer secondments for high school students and undergraduates).
9. Seek opportunities to inform the work of UN agencies and DFID (UK) in the developing world, and the CGIAR international network of germplasm repositories and strategic regional research.
Publications
Meyer MT
(2016)
Will an algal CO2-concentrating mechanism work in higher plants?
in Current opinion in plant biology
Meyer M
(2015)
The internal plumbing of algal chloroplasts.
in eLife
Kromdijk J
(2014)
Bundle-sheath leakiness in C4 photosynthesis: a careful balancing act between CO2 concentration and assimilation.
in Journal of experimental botany
Mitchell MC
(2017)
Pyrenoid loss impairs carbon-concentrating mechanism induction and alters primary metabolism in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
in Journal of experimental botany
Caspari OD
(2017)
Pyrenoid loss in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii causes limitations in CO2 supply, but not thylakoid operating efficiency.
in Journal of experimental botany
Santhanagopalan I
(2021)
Orchestral manoeuvres in the light: crosstalk needed for regulation of the Chlamydomonas carbon concentration mechanism.
in Journal of experimental botany
Raven JA
(2015)
Photosynthesis in reproductive structures: costs and benefits.
in Journal of experimental botany
Lamb A
(2016)
The potential for land sparing to offset greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
in Nature Climate Change
Atkinson N
(2016)
Introducing an algal carbon-concentrating mechanism into higher plants: location and incorporation of key components.
in Plant biotechnology journal
Description | The grant (an extension to PSIL CAPP1) has now been completed; ongoing work has characterised both the proteome and transcriptome of Wild type and mutant Chlamydomonas strains which differ in the expression of a key microcompartment, the chloroplast pyrenoid, which is associated with enhancing photosynthetic operating efficiency through a carbon concentrating mechanism. This has highlighted specific genes and protein components which may be critical for pyrenoid formation and additional work with our collaborators is helping to characterise these interactions. Additional work has been undertaken to investigate the practical and theoretical interactions between proteins and their role in aggregating Rubisco within the pyrenoid. We have also been undertaking measurements to evaluate the extent of post translational modifications (phosphorylation etc) in mediating these processes. We have now identified new proteins which form key elements in pyrenoid formation. |
Exploitation Route | We have developed immunofluorescent screens which can be used to assess the intracellular location of key CCM components; our collaborators will benefit from out work characterising key unknown components identified from the Stanford insertional mutagenesis screen; our collaborators at Edingburgh and JIC will benefit from our identification of key CCM components and incorporation into the model plant Arabidopsis which we are using as a proof of concept. We have now published papers showing that elements of the algal carbon concentrating mechanism can be incorporated into higher plants. The careers of early career researchers (York, Edinburgh) have been consolidated by a number of additional grants awarded in areas associated with this core proposal. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Education Energy Environment |
URL | http://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/research/howardgriffiths |
Description | To refine our understanding of the regulation and morphological integration of carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) activity in Chalmydomonas; To help develop a model defining the efficiency and activity of the CCM and potential operation in a higher plant; To support work whereby elements of the CCM are being introduced into higher plants. To provide insights for capacity building in GCRF proposal which has been funded to develop these fundamental observations in the context of Food Security and resilience in India To advance careers of early stage researchers at York and Edinburgh, consolidated through additional funding awards in this area |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education |
Impact Types | Societal Policy & public services |
Description | Bharti Foundation award to University of Cambridge |
Amount | £300,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Bharti Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | India |
Start | 07/2017 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | GCRF Growing Capacity Call: TIGR2ESS |
Amount | £7,800,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/P027970/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 12/2021 |
Title | A simple method to estimate photosynthetic enhancement |
Description | We have developed a model which allows a relatively rapid measure of photosynthetic efficiency under contrasting O2 tensions to be used either as a high throughput screen of genetically transformed plant lines, or for the estimation of carbon concentrating mechanism or oxygenase engagement |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | It will enhance high throughput physiological screening of transformed plant lines or allow the immediate testing of the impact of transgenes when directly introduced into a leaf; it will allow an immediate assessment of any increase or decrease in photosynthetic efficiency found in the modified line. |
Title | Models to enhance analysis of photosynthesis |
Description | models of gas exchange and photosystem fluorescence were combined to allow easy access for non-specialists to analyse data from readliy available equipment but informed by the latest theoretical understanding of fundamental science |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - in vitro |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This will increase the rigour of studies on plants subject to molecular transformation and evaluation of traits |
Description | CAPP2 PSIL Enhanced Photosynthesis UIUC Champaign Urbana |
Organisation | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Department | Department of Plant Biology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The partnership was set up to enhance the outputs from CAPP2, since Dr Justin McGrath and Prof Steve Long already developed a model for cyanobacteria; the goal was to develop the model for the algal (chlamydomonas) system, and potential operation in a higher plant cell. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr McGrath visited UK for one week and worked at Cambridge on developing the model; a co-ordination meeting was also held during his visit to allow all UK partners to contribute to model development. Originally we had planned for one of our US collaborators to be present, but this was not possible at the last minute. |
Impact | Currently working on a joint output as a draft of a peer-reviewed paper |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | PSIL CAPP BBSRC/NSF |
Organisation | Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | This has resulted in a series of Collaborative exchanges: Dr Leif Erickson visited Cambridge in June 2012 and worked in our laboratory for one week; Ms Madeline Mitchell worked on the collaborative programme with Dr Jonikas and colleagues in Stanford in July- September 2012; Mr Oliver Caspari worked upon on the collaborative programme with Dr Jonikas and colleagues in Stanford in July- September 2013, and for the same period in 2014, and also developed a programme with Prof Arthur Grossman. We undertook measurements which complimented the ongoing mutagenesis screen which was being developed at Stanford, allowing us to identify specific mutants of interest with our specialist methods. |
Collaborator Contribution | The collaboration has provided us with a number of target Chlamydomonas mutants which may be of interest either because their predicted insertional site may have interrupted CCM activity, or because we have used our methods to screen these mutants and so we know they have altered cell ultrastructure consistent with interrupted CCM activity. These mutant lines are now being analysed in more detail in our laboratory. |
Impact | Contributed to data for PhD thesis of Madeline Mitchell and Oliver Caspari; forthcoming research publications will reflect this collaboration. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Title | Algal components of the pyrenoid's carbon concentrating |
Description | Identification of a protein which plays a major role in binding Rubisco during the formation of the algal chloroplast pyrenoid and facilitates the operation of the algal carbon concentrating mechanism |
IP Reference | US62333807 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2016 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | The identification of the linker protein represents a major contribution to understanding the form and function of one of the key means by which microalgae sequester carbon, and could represent a significant component of crop productivity if transferred, with other components, into higher plants |
Description | Academic advisor to SAPS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Various activities include Discussions on Teaching Methods with Teachers, as well as advising on the scientific content of posters, animations and other outreach materials produced by SAPS Various discussions with Teachers and requests to present to students in specific schools |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014 |
URL | http://www.saps.org.uk/ |
Description | Attendance at GCRF Stategic Advisory Group meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Serving on GCRF SAG is a recognition of our contribution in the sphere of global Food Security as well as the possible contribution to shaping policy and developing future funding activities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
Description | BBSRC-DFID led meeting | UK-CGIAR crop research collaboration for impact through delivery of SDG2 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | a BBSRC-DfID jointly organised one day meeting, for Directors and senior leaders of key UK research institutions and CGIAR centres in the area of crop research.nThe purpose of the meeting is to identify innovative ways of collaboration between UK and CGIAR research centres, that will maximise the impact of UK ODA funding in crop research and will lead to improvement of agricultural productivity, food nutrition and security and will facilitate delivery against the Sustainable Development Goal 2. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | CCM9: The IXth International Symposium on Inorganic Carbon Utilization by Aquatic Photosynthetic Organisms |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Organisation of major international symposium and edited volume of outputs |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/research/howardgriffiths/ccm9 |
Description | Cambridge Conference on Global Food Security 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The Conference was held on 23-24 June 2016 co-hosted by Cambridge Global Food Security, the Centre of Development Studies, and Cambridge's conservation networks: the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and Forum, and the University of Cambridge Conservation and Research Initiative. Over 225 people took part, gathering in the newly opened David Attenborough Building, home to the Cambridge Conservation Campus. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/symposia/2016 |
Description | Cambridge Global Food Security Initiative Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Promotion of Global Food security issues and opportunities for translational research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/events/Symposium2017FOLDER |
Description | Cambridge Partnership for Plant Sciences |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Cambridge Partnership for Plant Sciences (CPPS) exists to strengthen and integrate pure and applied research in plant sciences in and around Cambridge. We provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and to promote research opportunities between the academic arena, research institutes and local industry. CPPS provides a forum for fundamental and applied research in plant sciences to be developed throughout the Cambridge region, between University Departments, Research Institutes and Industry. Participating organisations are encouraged to provide a designated Hub, who acts by forwarding information from each organisation, and by disseminating news of CPPS activities and information to their colleagues. Individuals are also welcome to apply to join the mailing list. A number of collaborative proposals for research grants and training awards have arisen from the networking opportunities supported and organised by CPPS each year. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |
URL | http://www.cpps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/ |
Description | Cambridge University Global Food Security Initiative |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Events and activities are generating strategic priorities for research funding, engaging across sciences and humanities, to develop policies and initiate research in priority areas. Activities are currently linking with international agencies (FAO, CGIAR, WTO) and Governments to promote research on Food Security, including the development of an International Crop Science Centre. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016 |
URL | http://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/ |
Description | Eat the Right Thing: Are plant-based diets best for us and our planet? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This lively webinar about what sort of diet is best for us and our planet, featured lots of interaction between our six expert panellists and a highly engaged audience of just over 200 people keen to know more. Audience questions ranged from, 'Should people on a plant-based diet take supplements?' to 'Is it better to eat locally sourced animals or overseas plants?' Thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of our panel almost all questions were answered, either on-screen in the webinar's Q&A function, or verbally, as our Chair fielded questions and bowled them out to the appropriate panellists, who covered topics from genetics to crop-rotation in their answers. Over 60% of respondents to our audience survey said that they had either researched one of the topics discussed, following the event, or had made changes to their diet as a result of attending. One audience member summed up the event's effect as follows: 'I'm slowly going plant basedwatching the event literally was a GAMECHANGER for me.' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/events/eat-right-thing-are-plant-based-diets-best-us-and-our-planet |
Description | Engagement with multinational corporations related to Food Security and Climate Change |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The PI, HG, has addressed a number of high level Industrial delegations, which include AB Sugar, TATA steel, Coca-Cola, and given presentations on the implications of climate change and environmental stress on crop productivity and yield and strategies for photosynthetic enhancement. Most recently, this activity has also focussed upon the Cambridge University Global Food Security Initiative, and provided an introduction to the networks and research potential for future collaboration. The engagement and interest in specific areas of research either directly related to enhancement of photosynthesis and evaluation of stress, or identifying potential collaborators within the University as a focus for industrial funding in the future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
URL | http://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/ |
Description | Female Leaders in Crop and Agricultural Sciences from India: A Newton-Bhabha Fund workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A The creation of 'Innovation Farms' to train women in the latest agriculture techniques came a step closer on a recent visit to the University of Cambridge by India's leading female crop scientists. The idea to develop a series of farms across India to teach women techniques from factoring climate into crop choice to improving yield is part of a programme to empower mid-career that saw 20 female scientists from India brought 23 delegates to visit the labs and lecture halls of Cambridge this week. Experts in plant and crop sciences from Indian and Cambridge exchanged skills and ideas during a five-day programme that included seminars, workshops and visits to laboratories. Female scientists from across India applied to take part in the programme, with the first 20 staying at Clare College for a week and attending workshops on topics from building negotiation skills to delegating more effectively. According to the programme organisers, this was in order to help them "handle the juggling game of science and family". The visit included a tour of the Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, the Innovation Farm at the National Institute Of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and the John Innes Centre (JIC). Ultimately, it is hoped that the Innovation Farm concept will also be developed at universities and research institutes across India to train women farmers in the latest agricultural techniques. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Gatsby Summer School Tutor |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Round table discussion on key issues in climate change and food security Interest promoted in methods for enhancing photosynthesis and ongoing research in my lab |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/outreach/gatsbyplants |
Description | Graduate Symposium in Vienna "MInd the App" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Student Symposium "Mind the App" "Applications that bridge biology and technology"; organized by Phd-students of the Vienna Biocenter. "This is an interdisciplinary conference involving 15 international scientists who have unconventionally applied technology to basic research or conceived an innovative application from a scientific finding. Topics include "Molecular Toolbox", "Bioengineering Medicine", "Manipulating the Code" and "Shaping Ecosystems"." |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://bme.htu.at/2016/09/14/student-symposium-mind-the-app/ |
Description | Graduate seminar on food security |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | discussion on impacts of climate change on food security |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Host eminent Crop Scientist from india |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invite M S S Swaminathan- one of the fathers of the green revolution in India, to present a formal open seminar to members of the TIGR2ESSconsortium and Food Security Strategic research initiative |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited seminar at a major international conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation gave a major overview of plant physiology and ecology in improving sustainable crop productivity |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.europlantbiology2018.org/ |
Description | Leader of Debate on Climate and Sustainability |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Led question-time panel and chaired discussion on actions associated with Food Security and Climate Change |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016 |
URL | http://www.cambridgeclimateforum.org/ |
Description | Masterclass on Global Food Security for Year 12 and 13 pupils |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 30 pupils attended for a school visit to the Sainsbury Laboratory, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards, and the school reported increased interest in related subject areas |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016 |
URL | http://www.saps.org.uk/secondary |
Description | Meeting with delegation from multinational corporation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Top level engagement with Multinational corporations such as Pepsico, Nestle, IKEA during which general advances in science have been pitched in the context of Global Food Security and with a view to building partnerships through the EIT Food KIC, and the Cambridge Centre for Crop Science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.cambplants.group.cam.ac.uk/our-impact/3cs-cambridge-centre-for-crop-science |
Description | Member of CUPGRA executive committee |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Facilitated discussions between academics and potato growing industry and opportunities for philanthropic support of research; CUPGRA was set up in 1982 to encourage study and research on potatoes. It promotes the interchange of scientific research and field practice for innovative, sound commercial production of potatoes through its association with the Agronomy Research Group at NIAB CUF |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017 |
URL | http://www.niab.com/pages/id/464/CUPGRA |
Description | Networking event for University of Cambridge PhD students and Postdocs interested in collaborating with the food industry |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Participants had the opportunity to meet and hear from agri-tech and food industry representatives, and discuss possibilities for: - research collaborations - internships - future careers. **Confirmed** companies attending include: PepsiCo Nestle Britvic Koppert Buhler Hummingbird Technologies Maspex Map of Agriculture DowDupont ADAS AMT Fruit Bayer Crop Science Entomics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/events/foodfutures2 |
Description | OUtreach engagement with school pupils and raising aspirations for university applications |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presentations at host university as well as visits to individual schools to raise awareness of educational opportunities and introduce framework for research support informing teaching and learning |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | Open Day and School visits hosted for Biological and Plant Sciences |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School visits, in association with Clare College and/of the University Open Days and Dept of Plant Sciences, included a Biological Sciences Taster Day, three full open days (July/September and hosting individual year groups (year 8/9, 10/11 or 12) to talk about plant processes and food security, impact of climate change, as well as admissions procedures |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
URL | http://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/Information-for-Schools/ |
Description | Participate in broadcast on local national and international radio |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | participation in interviews and live broadcasts to promote plant and crop sciences to the wider community |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
Description | Participation in Cambridge Forum for Sustainability |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | The Forum aims to stimulate cross-disciplinary conversations about some of the great sustainability challenges the world faces in the future and the research pathways which will help to prepare for and address those challenges. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017 |
URL | http://www.cfse.cam.ac.uk/ |
Description | Participation in popular science radio programme |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Science week Debate on plant processes attended by schoolchildren, increasing interest in subject areas |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.thenakedscientists.com/ |
Description | Participation in science discussions for national and international radio |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Regular particpant in panel discussions and also contributor to informed scientific debate about specific items (Podcasts) on food security and plant science issues |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
URL | https://www.thenakedscientists.com/ |
Description | Policy workshop: Monitoring the global food system: building trust and resilience for UK citizens and consumers. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | A CSaP (Centre for Science and Policy ) workshop funded through the Global Food Security Interdisciplinary Research Centre (co-Chair H Griffiths) which raised key questions regarding resilience in the food system and how policy should be developed to cope with future challenges |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | http://www.csap.cam.ac.uk/events/past/?category=1 |
Description | Presentation to agricultural industrial reps |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Brief presentation about research and techniques followed by networking with representatives from business and industry |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Presentations to undergraduate societies and organisations |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Several talks and panel discussions chaired as part of their activities which led to media interest and stimulated debate within and between participants and external speakers Raised awareness of the fundamental importance of plants to society in general |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
URL | http://camtriplehelix.com/ |
Description | Research Grant Outreach Website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The Website is the outreach portal developed by successive summer students supported by the CAPP programmes. The CAPP project is funded through the Ideas lab, supported by a British-US collaboration between two large funding bodies: BBSRC and NSF . It involves international collaboration between scientists from 4 different Universities/Institutions: |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017 |
URL | https://cambridgecapp.wordpress.com/about-us/ |
Description | School visit (Impington Village College) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk sparked interest in photosynthesis and stimulated discussion on fundamental science and food security issues generally I was asked by teachers if I would be prepared to undertake similar activities in the future; advice was also offered for those undertaking university applications for science and biology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2014 |
Description | Seminar on food security, Shanghai, China: Food security, nutrition and health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | "Food security occurs when all people are able to access enough safe and nutritious food to meet their requirements for a healthy life, in ways the planet can sustain into the future". Crop Science and Food security: there is a productivity, waste and distribution "trilemma" How should we link the technologies for crop production and distribution to environmental resilience and consumer health and nutrition? |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Smart Agriculture Conclave |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Attendance at Smart Agriculture Conclave, New Delhi |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/international/offices/india/indianews/310817i/ |
Description | Translational Funding Morning |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | To engage with industrial sponsors and funding agencies, introducing research impact opportunities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.cambplants.group.cam.ac.uk/news-and-events/translational-funding-morning/translational-f... |
Description | Undergraduate Training through Summer Vacation Studentships |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | In previous years, we have used Departmental funds to support summer studentships, where undergraduate students can be involved directly in ongoing research programmes; for the BBSRC PSIL Enhancing Photosynthesis, students have been directly involved in laboratory work in terms of developing techniques, analysing images and successively creating the CAPP website (http://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/) and associated teaching resources. Students specifically benefitting from this support have included: Rachel Purdon (2011), Jessica Finch and Richard Perez-Storey (2012), Oliver Terrett and Ninhghui Shi (2013) and Charlie Whittaker (Rank Prize Fund award, 2014); Other students have been working on climate change and moss-lichen interactions in Antarctica The website and associated eductional resources and Rubisco game have attracted considerable attention and hits; many of the students have been attracted into studying plant science in Final Year and have graduated with excellent degrees. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
URL | http://cambridgecapp.wordpress.com/ |
Description | University Open Days |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The open days are large-scale events organised by the central Cambridge Admissions Office in conjunction with the University Colleges and departments. Cambridge Open Days are for Year 12 students (or equivalent) and mature applicants who are considering making an application in October 2017 for entry in October 2018 (or deferred entry in October 2019). Attendees will find out what the University and Colleges have to offer, attend presentations on courses, the application process, student support, finance, and careers. They will have the opportunity to talk to academic staff from the departments and Colleges, and undergraduate students will also be on hand to talk to about student life at Cambridge. My participation has encouraged students to apply to Cambridge- direct feedback |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017 |
URL | http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-open-day |
Description | Visit to University of Lincoln to hold workshop on motivation and funding opportunities in the food security arena |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Response to an invitation by a Pro Vice Chancellor to discuss funding engagement, motivation and raising aspirations to develop external research opportunities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Workshop and formal Launch of TIGR2ESS programme in New Delhi, India |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The workshop identified extension beyond the existing scope of funding awarded through the GCRF programme, including additional government agencies in India, as well as representatives from DFID and RCUK offices in India. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.vertiver.com/tigr2ess/ |
Description | appearance on Naked Scientist panel |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | participation in live debate on radio |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.thenakedscientists.com/ |
Description | engagement with Industry |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Engagement with multi-national industrial conglomerates to explore research collaborations, synergies and development of translational research projects |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016,2017 |
URL | http://www.cambplants.group.cam.ac.uk/our-impact/3cs-cambridge-centre-for-crop-science |
Description | meet with representatives of eminent society or government ministry |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Meet CSaP visiting Policy Fellow from Royal Society and BEIS and discuss food security issues in relation to global food security and engagement with the public |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |