Building Robustness in Crops: Manipulating plant morphology for improved crop performance
Lead Research Organisation:
JOHN INNES CENTRE
Abstract
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Technical Summary
The aim of Work Package (WP) 3 is to provide targeted approaches to trait modification by developing predictive frameworks that connect interacting genes with strategically important morphological traits and to increase robustness in face of environmental fluctuations.
The steady improvement in yield potential through plant breeding is dependent on selection of morphological traits, e.g. height, leaf angle and reproductive structures. Advances in genomics have augmented this approach through marker-assisted breeding and genomic selection.
One significant outstanding problem is eliminating the undesirable pleiotropies caused by morphological mutants. For example, an important contributor to increased yield in cereals, underpinning the āgreen revolutionā, was the introduction of semi-dwarf alleles in the 1960s. However, the semi-dwarf alleles have undesirable pleiotropic effects, which arise because they affect the action of growth hormones with multiple roles in plant development in addition to modifying stem growth. A solution which we are working towards in this research programme would be to identify genes and interactions that target the desired trait more specifically.
A second problem, which we aim to address, is asynchronous development of seeds and fruits, which is adaptive in wild ancestors of crops but undesirable in domesticated crops. For example, OSR bears seeds at various developmental stages, reflecting variation along and between flowering branches. This asynchrony is partially mitigated by spraying the crop with desiccant before harvesting allowing retarded fruits to catch up with mature fruits. A better solution, that we will work towards, would be to identify genes that reduce asynchrony in inflorescence development.
A third problem is how to tailor organ morphology in crops. Organ shapes are dictated by the genetic inheritance from wild ancestors, and breeders have only partially overcome these constraints to tailor shapes to crop requirements. For example, pods are not ideally formed for packaging of seed in peas, or to prevent shattering in oilseed rape. We will develop genetic tools for tailoring organ shapes to crop needs.
A general long-term solution to such strategic challenges is to develop models that predict the effects of genes on morphology enabling a targeted approach to trait modification. Such predictive breeding requires a better understanding of how connect genes to phenotype and environment.
The steady improvement in yield potential through plant breeding is dependent on selection of morphological traits, e.g. height, leaf angle and reproductive structures. Advances in genomics have augmented this approach through marker-assisted breeding and genomic selection.
One significant outstanding problem is eliminating the undesirable pleiotropies caused by morphological mutants. For example, an important contributor to increased yield in cereals, underpinning the āgreen revolutionā, was the introduction of semi-dwarf alleles in the 1960s. However, the semi-dwarf alleles have undesirable pleiotropic effects, which arise because they affect the action of growth hormones with multiple roles in plant development in addition to modifying stem growth. A solution which we are working towards in this research programme would be to identify genes and interactions that target the desired trait more specifically.
A second problem, which we aim to address, is asynchronous development of seeds and fruits, which is adaptive in wild ancestors of crops but undesirable in domesticated crops. For example, OSR bears seeds at various developmental stages, reflecting variation along and between flowering branches. This asynchrony is partially mitigated by spraying the crop with desiccant before harvesting allowing retarded fruits to catch up with mature fruits. A better solution, that we will work towards, would be to identify genes that reduce asynchrony in inflorescence development.
A third problem is how to tailor organ morphology in crops. Organ shapes are dictated by the genetic inheritance from wild ancestors, and breeders have only partially overcome these constraints to tailor shapes to crop requirements. For example, pods are not ideally formed for packaging of seed in peas, or to prevent shattering in oilseed rape. We will develop genetic tools for tailoring organ shapes to crop needs.
A general long-term solution to such strategic challenges is to develop models that predict the effects of genes on morphology enabling a targeted approach to trait modification. Such predictive breeding requires a better understanding of how connect genes to phenotype and environment.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- JOHN INNES CENTRE (Lead Research Organisation)
- RAGT Seeds (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- University of Calgary (Collaboration)
- University of Warwick (Collaboration)
- University of Saskatchewan (Collaboration)
- International Centre for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- KWS UK (Collaboration)
- National Research Council of Canada (Collaboration)
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (Collaboration)
- ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Collaboration)
- Limagrain (Collaboration)
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) (Collaboration)
Publications
Abdel-Raheem S
(2023)
Oceanography's Diversity Deficit: Identifying and Addressing Challenges for Marginalized Groups
in Oceanography
Backhaus AE
(2023)
Delayed development of basal spikelets in wheat explains their increased floret abortion and rudimentary nature.
in Journal of experimental botany
Bennett MJ
(2025)
Developmental pathways in plants: Lessons from Arabidopsis for crop innovation.
in The Plant cell
Brock RE
(2025)
Crop-pest interactions in a warming world
Byers KJRP
(2023)
Reducing eggs on eggplant: a common naturally emitted plant volatile could replace insecticides in the 'king of vegetables'.
in The New phytologist
| Description | Obj 3.1 We identified genetic determinants of yield on wheat. We discovered a novel AP2L-D allele and performed a field trial to investigate the effect of the AP2L-D5 allele on agronomic traits and found that this allele is associated with a significant reduction in height, increased thousand grain weight (TGW), and increased grain width. We developed predictive models for the genetic control of stem growth, leaf angle and mechanics and developed a finite element mechanical model of growth coordination in the leaf that shows how the failure to manage growth conflicts in the jaw-d mutant in Arabidopsis causes the leaf not to grow flat. We made a finite element model of a growing Arabidopsis hypocotyl that demonstrated how Brassinosteroid controls growth and tissue tension. We developed a mass spring model of the Arabidopsis shoot apex that accounts for cells shape by showing how and actin mutant fails to avoid 4-way junctions. We contributed to work on the link between cell cycle progression and cell fate maintenance in the shoot apical meristem. Work with University of Calgary and Cauliflower form consortium has generated computational models, high resolution images and phentotyping methodology to study head form in Brassica oleracea An F2 population developed from a cross between cauliflower and romanesco has been phenotyped for head form and angle, preliminary results using bulked segregant has identified potential regions of the genome responsible for the differences between form. Further investigations into these regions is underway and outcomes will be used to support the addition of genetics to the computational models. We worked with industry (RAGT) and academic partners on the analysis of leaves from across ploidy levels of Triticum species, revealing a patterning of mesophyll cellular architecture that has been maintained during the evolution/selection of wheat. The functional significance of this will be further explored. We optimized spatial transcriptomics in wheat inflorescence tissue, enabling transcript localization for 200 genes to cellular resolution across 4 stages of development. We identified distinct, spatially coordinated expression patterns distinguishing axillary meristems and their subtending leaf ridges across the apical-basal axis before visible spikelet formation, highlighting factors patterning meristem identity and transition. We showed how the morphology and cell wall properties of guard cells influence their opening dynamics. Obj 3.2 We performed quantitative analysis of cellular and morphological changes caused by WUSCHEL-D1 upregulation in wheat inflorescence meristems. Completed GWAS screen for stomatal size and density in wheat Watkins lines; currently starting work to validate the associations detected. Not ready for publication yet. In collaboration with Przemyslaw Prusinkiewicz, we have developed and validated a model for how cauliflower and Romanesco curds form and have initiated mapping of underlying genes. We published several models of stomatal pore opening. Obj 3.3 Working with breeders (KWS and Syngenta) we found that stigma longevity does not represent a limiting factor in hybrid wheat seed production, and that breeding efforts should prioritize the study of other female traits, such as enhanced access to airborne pollen. We worked with industry (Limagrain, BASF, Syngenta, RAGT, KWS, Corteva) to identify key research priorities to improve wheat's outcrossing efficiency and support scalable hybrid seed production. We found that basal spikelet abortion in wheat is a consequence of complete floret abortion and show that the reduced developmental age of basal florets pre-anthesis is strongly associated with their increased abortion. Using the developmental age pre-abortion, we were able to model and predict final grain set per spikelet across the spike. We conducted multi-year, multi-site trials with breeders (DSV, KWS, RAGT, Limagrain, Elsoms, NPZ, Syngenta) and concluded that TaGW2 is a reliable modifier of grain size but not yield in isolation. The pea blunt gene (ACUT) has been mapped to the top of chromosome 3 and an acut mutant with a substitution in a potential promoter region at the ACUT locus has been identified by genome sequencing. The identity of the associated gene as the ACUT gene is being tested independently in a Bulked Segregant Analysis approach (D3.3.3 - yrs 3-4). Blunt and pointy pea lines have been tested for seed set in the glasshouse and will next be tested in the field (D3.3.4 - yr 5). |
| Exploitation Route | We are working closely with crop breeding companies, identifying key research priorities and evaluating alleles associated with important phenotypic traits. This direct industry collaboration ensures that our findings are immediately actionable. Our research findings (see above for details) will have a direct impact on future strategies for crop improvement. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
| Description | The aim of this work package is to develop predictive frameworks that link genes with strategically important morphological traits, enabling advances in crop morphology and resilience. Our research directly supports the development of more robust and productive crops at a time of growing global need. Working closely with crop breeding companies, we identified key research priorities and evaluated alleles associated with important phenotypic traits in multi year, multi site trials. This direct industry collaboration ensures that our findings are immediately actionable. For example, to improve wheat outcrossing efficiency and support scalable hybrid seed production, we demonstrated that stigma longevity is not a limiting factor. This insight has redirected breeders' priorities toward other female floral traits, such as improving access to airborne pollen, accelerating progress toward commercially viable hybrid wheat. Our close alignment with breeding partners highlights the strategic and commercial relevance of this programme and ensures rapid adoption of emerging insights and tools by industry. The MorphoGraphX platform, developed by the Smith group, continues to deliver global impact as an open source tool for quantifying gene expression and growth dynamics. Its reach now extends beyond plant biology; for example, it has been applied in animal systems to investigate cytoskeletal regulation in lymphatic endothelium (10.1038/s41586-025-08724-6). Enhancements made during this award period, alongside the development of low cost (£500) research tools such as the portable Camelot micro extensometer (10.1186/s12915-025-02216-9), are expanding access to sophisticated biomechanical measurements. These advances enable laboratories in resource limited settings to assess elasticity, creep and yield stress in delicate tissues such as Arabidopsis hypocotyls, enhancing accessibility to delivering high quality biomechanical research. A core aim of this programme is also to develop vulnerable yet critical skills across the biosciences (BBSRC, 2017), particularly interdisciplinarity, plant breeding, imaging and computational expertise. Through targeted training, we have strengthened capability among PhD students, post doctoral researchers and technical staff, enabling them to progress into academic, industrial and policy roles. Our activities continue to have a strong track record of impact. The annual JIC International Undergraduate Science School, led by Group Leader Enrico Coen, provides 15 students each year with an eight week research placement combining programming, modelling and science communication. Two thirds of participants subsequently progress to PhD study, demonstrating the successful nature of this training. In addition, we contribute substantial teaching and supervision to the JIC/University of East Anglia MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement, delivering lectures and applied project experience in laboratory and field environments. Approximately 50% of graduates from this programme advance into plant breeding or related industries, strengthening the UK and international workforce in a strategically vital sector. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | Grant Writing workshop |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Grant writing |
| Description | Insect Decline and UK Food Security consultation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
| URL | https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmsctech/326/report.html |
| Description | A Platform to Rate Organisms Bred for Improved Traits and Yield (PROBITY) |
| Amount | Ā£1,568,698 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10097973 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2024 |
| End | 06/2027 |
| Description | A novel transcriptional pathway that control axillary meristem induction in grasses |
| Amount | Ā£156,513 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/X00127X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2023 |
| End | 05/2026 |
| Description | Competitive trans-generational control of seed dormancy via stable inheritance of gametophytic epigenomes |
| Amount | Ā£578,488 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/X015793/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2026 |
| Description | Leveraging genetic innovations for accelerated breeding of climate resilient and nutritious crops |
| Amount | Ā£1,300,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 12/2026 |
| Title | Quantitative analysis of GC-EAD data |
| Description | Current analysis of GC-EAD data is qualitative and subject to bias. We have developed a way of analyzing these data quantitatively in a bias-free fashion to promote responsible use of electroantennography (electrophysiology) data in understanding insect-plant interactions that are driven by volatiles. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | have been contacted by an international research student from the Global South to learn more about the method and how to implement it |
| URL | https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.01.626223v1 |
| Title | BR2CSFB parental line genome sequence - Altasweet and Apex x Ginyou7 |
| Description | PacBioHiFi genome sequence assembly |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Genome sequence for parental lines has been distributed to plant breeding consortium members within the BR2CSFB project. This had been incorporated into company resources and will be used internally for research. |
| Title | DH1012 genome sequence and annotation ENA GCA_963992755 |
| Description | DH1012 PacBio HiFi Hi-C annotated genome |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Annotated genome will be added to Ensembl Plants for international web access in 2024 |
| Title | Genome sequence for 8 parents of the Brassica napus MAGIC population |
| Description | PacBioHiFi sequence assemblies for MAGIC parents |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Sequence is available by collaboration. Genome sequences will be released at a later version. |
| Title | MERFISH dataset in wheat inflorescence tissue |
| Description | Spatial transcriptomics viewer for 200 genes expressed in developing wheat inflorescences across four developmental timepoints. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Others have adopted methods and used data in publications |
| URL | https://www.wheat-spatial.com/ |
| Title | seed ORDER: seed - oilseed rape development gene expression resource |
| Description | Transcriptome browser for data created in BRAVO for 4 brassica napus lines and one brassica oleracea for tissue specific seed expression profiles across development |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Manuscript is current under revision |
| URL | https://seed-order-brassica.jic.ac.uk/ |
| Description | 10 Pangenome Project |
| Organisation | University of Saskatchewan |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration for 10 pangenome project |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaboration for 10 pangenome project |
| Impact | Sequencing of 10 wheat varieties |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Brassica inflorescence architecture |
| Organisation | University of Calgary |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Experimental analysis of brassica inflorescence architecture |
| Collaborator Contribution | Modelling of brassica inflorescence architecture |
| Impact | Too early |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CGIAR |
| Organisation | International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas |
| Country | Syrian Arab Republic |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Provide molecular markers for yellow rust and blast resistance genes; provide germplasm with improved traits. |
| Collaborator Contribution | provide field phenotyping and delivery into wheat cultivars |
| Impact | n/a |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | CGIAR |
| Organisation | International Centre for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT) |
| Country | Mexico |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Provide molecular markers for yellow rust and blast resistance genes; provide germplasm with improved traits. |
| Collaborator Contribution | provide field phenotyping and delivery into wheat cultivars |
| Impact | n/a |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | KWS |
| Organisation | KWS UK |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Genetics and genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Breeder know how and germplasm |
| Impact | joint projects |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Limagrain |
| Organisation | Limagrain |
| Department | Limagrain |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Genetics and genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Germplasm and breeder know-how |
| Impact | Phd Studentship, field trails, among others |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Pea transformation |
| Organisation | National Research Council of Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Testing and optimising pea transformation protocols. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The laboratory of Dr. Pankaj Bhowmik is providing expertise and material for testing and optimising pea transformation protocols. |
| Impact | Nothing to report yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | RAGT |
| Organisation | RAGT Seeds |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Genetics and genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Wheat germplasm and know how |
| Impact | Shared projects |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Rapid cycling Brassica genome consortium |
| Organisation | Max Planck Society |
| Department | Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Advice and project management for genome sequencing. Growth and preparation of materials for sequencing, genome assembly. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding for genome sequencing |
| Impact | Generation of genome sequence. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Rapid cycling Brassica genome consortium |
| Organisation | Max Planck Society |
| Department | Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Advice and project management for genome sequencing. Growth and preparation of materials for sequencing, genome assembly. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding for genome sequencing |
| Impact | Generation of genome sequence. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Teff genomics |
| Organisation | Aberystwyth University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on teff genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided germplasm and genome sequences |
| Impact | teff community workshop in March 2024 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Teff genomics |
| Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on teff genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided germplasm and genome sequences |
| Impact | teff community workshop in March 2024 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Teff genomics |
| Organisation | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on teff genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided germplasm and genome sequences |
| Impact | teff community workshop in March 2024 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Teff genomics |
| Organisation | Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on teff genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided germplasm and genome sequences |
| Impact | teff community workshop in March 2024 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Teff genomics |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Department of Plant Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on teff genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided germplasm and genome sequences |
| Impact | teff community workshop in March 2024 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Teff genomics |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on teff genomics |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided germplasm and genome sequences |
| Impact | teff community workshop in March 2024 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Tillering |
| Organisation | University of Warwick |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | knowledge on wheat genomics and genetics |
| Collaborator Contribution | germplasm for branching |
| Impact | Field trials and manuscript in preparation |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Title | MERFISH dataset in wheat inflorescence tissue |
| Description | This spatial transcriptomics resource features MERFISH data from a 200-gene panel targeting wheat inflorescence tissues of hexaploid bread wheat (cv 'Paragon'). |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Others have used and cited in publications. |
| URL | https://www.wheat-spatial.com/ |
| Title | R and Perl scripts for quantitative processing of GC-EAD data |
| Description | Premise: Plant-interacting insects receive plant volatile signals through their antennae, and voltage changes across an antenna exposed to volatile stimuli can be measured to determine if insects can perceive them, often by coupling gas chromatography to electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Current methods for analysing GC-EAD data rely on qualitative observation, rather than using quantitative analysis, and are thus prone to bias. Methods and Results: We developed a novel quantitative methodology for analysis of GC-EAD data using a signal processing technique on EAD data to compare responses of hawkmoths and bumble bees to a library of common floral volatiles. Responses varied between species and sexes and these responses were in some cases affected by compound type or modification. Conclusions: Our novel GC-EAD analysis technique is robust to baseline drift and low signal:noise ratios commonly found in GC-EAD data, and provides a way forward for quantitative studies of plant volatile-mediated plant-insect interactions. The linked paper, "Quantitative analysis of gas chromatography-coupled electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) of plant volatiles by insects", by Kelsey J.R.P. Byers and Robert N. Jacobs, is currently under consideration for publication and has been submitted to bioRxiv. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Work is under revision for publication; preprint of the data analysis and software has resulted in discussions with a research student from the Global South on how to implement the method in their own work. |
| URL | https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.01.626223v1 |
| Title | plantpollinator/RedYellowMimulus: Red-yellow monkeyflowers: custom Perl scripts |
| Description | Initial release of custom Perl scripts used in Wenzell, Neequaye et al. publication on red-yellow color transitions in monkeyflowers (Mimulus). |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Has facilitated rapid GC-MS data analysis for my lab and is available for others to use |
| URL | https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.14747860 |
| Description | 2023 Pint of Science talk (MN) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Pint of Science - presentation on pollinators and scent profiles |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Academic careers with disabilities panel - Accessible Sharks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Panelist for an academic careers with disabilities panel for the Accessible Sharks USA National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates programme which is aimed at disabled undergraduate students. Approximately 10 students received careers and professional advice from panelists who were disabled role models. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://accessiblesharks.wordpress.com/ |
| Description | BASF - research in Brassica |
| 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 | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with BASF to develop further work interactions in Brassica. Further interest in current research was raised. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BBC Radio 4 "Start The Week" appearance |
| 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 | Appearance as a guest on BBC Radio 4's "Start The Week" show (42 minutes) with colleagues from Oxford and Kew on a show titled "Mysterious Plants". Audience for the show reaches 3 million according to BBC invite. Multiple engagements and feedback via email and Twitter, including offers of collaboration and public questions. Audiences very keen to hear more about plant science, an often under-reported topic. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wxkb |
| Description | Community College Field Biology Alliance talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited plenary speaker to discuss research and disability with community college (early undergraduate) students as part of their research symposium. Students reported feeling more confident in career choices by seeing me as a role model and I spoke with several of them privately afterwards online as a mentor. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.ccfieldbiologyalliance.org/2024-research-symposium.html |
| Description | Conference Oral Presentation: Getting aHead in Brassica: modelling shape and form |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk at UK-BRC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Discussion on Brassica Research - MandS |
| 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 | Discussed current Brassica work and potential for further interaction. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Economist |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Economist article on Genome Editing |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.economist.com/technology-quarterly/2025/02/21/eat-your-ge-greens |
| Description | Engagement with Government: Visit from the Defra AgriScience team |
| 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 | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Interest in JIC research and further interaction |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with Industry: Frontier visit to JIC for relationship building and knowledge exchange |
| 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 | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Frontier visit to JIC for relationship building and knowledge exchange |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with Industry: CIBUS translation talks |
| 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 | Discussion on translation of methodology to industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with Industry: OSR reboot kick off, agronomy, policy and genetics meetings |
| 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 | Knowledge exchange/working group to support the promotion of the OSR industry. Outcomes include furhte communication plans, lobbying and developing support for OSR community |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with Industry: Visit by AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation) board of directors - seed sector |
| 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 | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Further interest in JIC science |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with Industry: Visit to breeder KWS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit to industry to develop understanding between research and industry |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with industry - Perfectly Fresh |
| 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 | Discussion on potential for further collaboration and targeted grant application |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Engagement with other research organisations and HEIs: Glucosinolates for crop protection, Babara Halkier |
| 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 | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit to discuss potential collaboration with Dynamo Institute |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with other research organisations and HEIs: Visit from Huazong Agricultural University |
| 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 | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit fro HUA. This has sparked further interaction. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engagement with other research organisations and HEIs: Visit from U of Warwick |
| 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 | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Plans made for further interaction between organisations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Field Inclusive Week 2025 workshop |
| 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 | Led a workshop with two other experts on field experiences for disabled individuals. Approximately 60 attendees completed exercises and reported more comfort with inclusion of disabled individuals in field experiences as well as practical takeaways they could use in their own work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.fieldinclusive.org/field-inclusive-week-2025/ |
| Description | Guest lecture on fieldwork and disability inclusion |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Gave a guest lecture to Wake Forest University undergraduate students taking a Field Biology and Natural History undergraduate course. Students felt more confident after the lecture and associated activity in how to work collaboratively with individuals of diverse abilities in the field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Lecture - UEA Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement MSC, Brassica Genetics |
| 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 | Lecture to MSc students on Brassica Genetics |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Lecture - UEA Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement MSC, Brassica Genomics |
| 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 | Lecture to MSc students - Brassica Genomics |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Lecture on inclusion of disability in biosciences (University of Exeter Penryn) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited to give a public lecture and panel Q&A for the University of Exeter Penryn Inclusivity Matters! seminar series covering disability inclusion in biosciences. Approximately 80 postgraduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff attended and asked questions and were engaged. Attendees asked many questions and attitudes about disability changed in a positive manner. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/nep/projects/inclusivitymatters/ |
| Description | Lecture on inclusion of disability in biosciences (University of Guelph, Canada) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited to give a public lecture in person for the University of Guelph, Canada covering disability inclusion as the inaugural speaker of the College of Biological Science Community Seminar Series. Approximately 70 postgraduate and undergraduate students and faculty as well as university administrators attended. Attendees asked many questions and attitudes about disability changed in a positive manner. Written up blog post here: https://liveworkwell.ca/news/2024/01/navigating-nature-and-academia-disabled-scientist-talk-dr-kelsey-byers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.uoguelph.ca/cbs/events/2023/12/disabled-field-navigating-nature-and-academia-disabled-sc... |
| Description | London International Youth Science Forum visit to JIC (MN) |
| 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 | London International Youth Science Forum visit to JIC; pupils engaged with a member of the research team to discuss science and careers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Morley Innovation Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Work displayed at farming open day. Promoted questions and discussion on Brassica research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Nat History Museum presentation (MN) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Nat History Museum presentation for their Explorers Programme as part of Black History Month, talking about "Lets talk about scent" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | New Plant Breeding Technologies opportunities and challenges with RAGT global wheat breeders |
| 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 | New Plant Breeding Technologies opportunities and challenges with RAGT global wheat breeders |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Norfolk Heritage Day talks (2 days; MN) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Gave talks over two days for Norfolk Heritage Days at JIC. Audience reported interest in floral scent and pollination research and provided valuable feedback on content. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.jic.ac.uk/blog/lets-talk-about-scent/ |
| Description | Norfolk Wildlife Trust public talk on pollination |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Talk at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Wymondham chapter about pollination and insect conservation. Approximately 50 attendees who reported desires to change land management practices in their own gardens, as well as multiple invitations to give the same talk or similar science outreach at schools and other groups in the region. Encouraged to give the same talk publicly on Youtube. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Novo Nordisk engaement meeting |
| 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 | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | Visit to JIC from potential charitable funding body |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Out Thinkers 2025 Norwich Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Approximately 25-30 attendees from the general public and research groups attended "Out Thinkers" at the Norwich Science Festival to celebrate and learn from LGBTQIA+ scientists about their research and life experiences and careers; I was one of four invited speakers. Multiple individuals reached out afterwards asking me to appear on podcasts around gender and disability in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/whats-on/out-thinkers-celebrating-lgbtq-in-stem |
| Description | Pint of Science on Symmetry, Norwich by Moubayidin |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presenting on the importance of symmetry in the biosciences |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation and Discussion with Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and Discussion with Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation for Education in Action (MN) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on the birds and the bees for Education in Action |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Radio program involvement - BBC Womans Hour |
| 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 | Participant on Womans Hour Radio show on Brassica |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Role of Mechanics in Coordination of Cell Behaviour in Plants |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Royal Microscopy Society Botanical Meeting 2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Role of Mechanics in Coordination of Cell Behaviour in Plants |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Seminar for Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | School visit (Benyon Primary School) |
| 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 | Careers Day primary school visit (virtual) organized through the Primary Science Teaching Trust. Year 6 students had a career pathway talk and brief science discussion with myself as speaker and were able to ask questions about how to become a scientist. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Schools Q&A virtual visit (Greenwood Primary and Nursery School, Nottingham) |
| 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 | Virtual Q&A visit to Greenwood Primary and Nursery School in Nottinghamshire to answer questions from Year 3 students about plant sciences and how they can become involved in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Schools visit and farm day, Bawburgh School (Bawburgh, Norfolk) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Two separate events with Bawburgh School. Visited the school and led six classrooms (ca. 15 students each plus staff, Reception to Year 5) on pollinator observations in a nearby meadow and the school classrooms. Students also visited the JIC Church Farm experimental station and learned more about pollination and floral structure and smell on a second day. Students expressed interest in the subject and asked questions about how to become scientists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | SciDev podcast - Scientists harness gene editing for climate-resilient wheat |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Podcast on using genome editing for climate-resilient wheat |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://www.scidev.net/global/podcast/scientists-harness-gene-editing-for-climate-resilient-wheat/ |
| Description | Speaker Invitation for Panel Session and Q&A for the Royal Society Fellows Induction Day: 'Making the most of your fellowship' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Several new independent researchers starting their fellowships in 2023 attended the Induction Day provided by the Royal Society to their cohorts. My discussion was focused on the opportunity for public engagement and training offered by the Royal Society and how I made use of those to support and showcase my research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Teaching pratical course - Genome Wide Association Studies |
| 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 | Teaching of UEA MSc students in GWAS. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Training provided: MSc leacture in Brassica Genetics, Genomics and GWAS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Students trained in Brassica |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Video for Neurodiversity celebration week |
| 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 | Interviewed about neurodivergence and my career for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 in a video put together by the JIC Comms Team. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG1-oRKqgeg |
| Description | Visist from HZAU |
| 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 | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit from HZAU delegation to discuss research commonalities |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit by Debiie Harding - BBSRC |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Visit from BBSRC to discuss current research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit to JIC - Breeders day 2024 |
| 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 | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Further interaction with industry |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Visit to Tozer seeds Pyeports |
| 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 | Visit to plant breeding company and facilities to discuss current research and potential interest |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit to industry: Catalyst Farming |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit to group of innovative farmers including Holkam and Salle estates |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Work experience/Year 10 camp /Undergraduate placement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Year 10 work experience student hosted in CSFB group from 10-14/06/2024. Student now keen to get into science |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Work experience/Year 10 camp /Undergraduate placement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Organisation, running and teaching on Undergraduate Summer School |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Year 10 Accessible Science Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | About 15 Year 10 students attended my Accessible Science Talk where I discussed my research in detailed but accessible terms after they had completed several days' placement at JIC. The students appreciated the talk and asked good questions and seemed excited to see how their research day placements translated into science careers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | press release |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Press release published by the JIC Comms Team, entitled: 'Orchestrating plant organ symmetry in style'. this was published to introduce our research findings to the general public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |