Physiology and stable isotope ecology of moss growth for modelling spatial and temporal climatic signals
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Plant Sciences
Abstract
The impact of climate change is predicted to be particularly intense in polar regions. Warmer and wetter conditions in the Arctic, where extensive moss dominated habitats are found, could lead to melting of permafrost and an increase in moss growth whilst forests decline. Our existing work has included developing innovative models which use the stable isotope composition of organic matter to provide information about moss growth. This work incorporated both moss preserved for thousands of years in Antarctic peat-moss banks, and desiccation-tolerant mosses that commonly grow on roofs and paths and are rapidly activated following a rain shower. Our previous work has shown that the stable isotope composition of carbon provides a reliable indicator of moss growing season, and the impact of climate change. However other naturally-occurring stable isotope signals in water (e.g 18O in water), associated with precipitation inputs and water vapour exchange, have until now been less well defined as markers of evaporative demand.
In this proposal, we will increase our understanding of moss growth dynamics to include how plants respond to different evaporative conditions, how different types of moss grow, what conditions are best for the fixation of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and growth through the synthesis of organic matter. These developments in moss physiology will be integrated with local weather conditions in models of moss growth that can be applied across large areas to predict periods of plant growth. We will carry out laboratory experiments in which moss growth is manipulated, monitored and measured, using isotope labels and growth responses under different temperature, humidity and drying regimes. We will work on moss species that grow in a range of habitats from wet bog Sphagnums, through hummock forming Polytrichales to desiccation tolerant Syntrichia. At the field scale, the same mosses will be regularly monitored in their natural environment, testing how the experimentally determined dynamics apply within an ecologically relevant setting. The combination of lab and field measurements will firstly allow us to determine the controls on moss organic matter 18O composition as climatic conditions vary. Secondly, remote sensing field measurements will be made from a distance of several metres using newly developed LIFT (laser induced fluouresence transient) technology. By understanding the link between moss growth dynamics and photosynthetic activation over this larger spatial scale we will establish a baseline that will allow remote sensing methodologies, such as measurements from aeroplanes and satellites, to be used to monitor moss performance in the future.
In this proposal, we will increase our understanding of moss growth dynamics to include how plants respond to different evaporative conditions, how different types of moss grow, what conditions are best for the fixation of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and growth through the synthesis of organic matter. These developments in moss physiology will be integrated with local weather conditions in models of moss growth that can be applied across large areas to predict periods of plant growth. We will carry out laboratory experiments in which moss growth is manipulated, monitored and measured, using isotope labels and growth responses under different temperature, humidity and drying regimes. We will work on moss species that grow in a range of habitats from wet bog Sphagnums, through hummock forming Polytrichales to desiccation tolerant Syntrichia. At the field scale, the same mosses will be regularly monitored in their natural environment, testing how the experimentally determined dynamics apply within an ecologically relevant setting. The combination of lab and field measurements will firstly allow us to determine the controls on moss organic matter 18O composition as climatic conditions vary. Secondly, remote sensing field measurements will be made from a distance of several metres using newly developed LIFT (laser induced fluouresence transient) technology. By understanding the link between moss growth dynamics and photosynthetic activation over this larger spatial scale we will establish a baseline that will allow remote sensing methodologies, such as measurements from aeroplanes and satellites, to be used to monitor moss performance in the future.
Planned Impact
Who will benefit from this research?
1. Academics and researchers in photosynthesis research.
2. Academics and researchers in palaeoclimate research.
3. Government and international agencies involved in evaluating ecosystem services, conservation and the impact of climate change.
4. Postdoctoral researcher employed on the project.
5. The general public and the need for outreach activities to explain the impacts of a changing climate and interaction with the water cycle
6. The next generation: school children and undergraduate students
How will they benefit from this research?
1. Researchers will receive comprehensive new information about the biochemical fractionation factor of mosses with different life forms, relative timings of assimilation and growth and the scaling up of fluorescence measurements from leaf to regional scales.
2. Researchers working on palaeoclimate peat archives will have new tools to facilitate interpretation of both records that have previously been analysed, and new archives
3. The research will have a major impact on the fundamental understanding that will be essential as novel fluorescence techniques are scaled up to be used over a large spatial areas to assess ecosystem and habitat change
4. The PDRA will receive a wide training in plant integrative physiological ecology, professional skills and wider training courses, and the opportunity to interact closely with researchers on an international scale.
5. The research findings relate to issues of public interest including biodiversity and climate change.
6. The 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. Present research results at international meetings and institutions
2. Submit data and models to relevant international depositories.
3 Ensure outputs are disseminated for uptake by government and conservation agencies.
4. 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.
5. 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. Take advantage of the display opportunities at Wicken Fen Visitor Centre.
6. Involve school children and undergraduate students in a practical sense (visits, websites providing teaching resources, blogging and laboratory summer placements for undergraduates).
1. Academics and researchers in photosynthesis research.
2. Academics and researchers in palaeoclimate research.
3. Government and international agencies involved in evaluating ecosystem services, conservation and the impact of climate change.
4. Postdoctoral researcher employed on the project.
5. The general public and the need for outreach activities to explain the impacts of a changing climate and interaction with the water cycle
6. The next generation: school children and undergraduate students
How will they benefit from this research?
1. Researchers will receive comprehensive new information about the biochemical fractionation factor of mosses with different life forms, relative timings of assimilation and growth and the scaling up of fluorescence measurements from leaf to regional scales.
2. Researchers working on palaeoclimate peat archives will have new tools to facilitate interpretation of both records that have previously been analysed, and new archives
3. The research will have a major impact on the fundamental understanding that will be essential as novel fluorescence techniques are scaled up to be used over a large spatial areas to assess ecosystem and habitat change
4. The PDRA will receive a wide training in plant integrative physiological ecology, professional skills and wider training courses, and the opportunity to interact closely with researchers on an international scale.
5. The research findings relate to issues of public interest including biodiversity and climate change.
6. The 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. Present research results at international meetings and institutions
2. Submit data and models to relevant international depositories.
3 Ensure outputs are disseminated for uptake by government and conservation agencies.
4. 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.
5. 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. Take advantage of the display opportunities at Wicken Fen Visitor Centre.
6. Involve school children and undergraduate students in a practical sense (visits, websites providing teaching resources, blogging and laboratory summer placements for undergraduates).
Publications
Biersma EM
(2020)
Latitudinal Biogeographic Structuring in the Globally Distributed Moss Ceratodon purpureus.
in Frontiers in plant science
Verbeke B
(2022)
Latitude, Elevation, and Mean Annual Temperature Predict Peat Organic Matter Chemistry at a Global Scale
in Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Royles J
(2015)
Invited review: climate change impacts in polar regions: lessons from Antarctic moss bank archives.
in Global change biology
Bombelli P
(2016)
Electrical output of bryophyte microbial fuel cell systems is sufficient to power a radio or an environmental sensor.
in Royal Society open science
Cornwell W
(2018)
Climate and soils together regulate photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination within C 3 plants worldwide
in Global Ecology and Biogeography
Description | Living moss biomass and archival peat deposits represent key indicators of present and past climatic conditions, but prediction of future climatic impacts requires appropriate marker species to be characterized under a range of contemporary conditions. Stable isotope signals in high latitude moss deposits offer potential climatic proxies. Seasonal changes in d13C and d18O of organic material (cellulose) in representative functional groups, and associated photosynthetic activity (as chlorophyll fluorescence) have been compared across East Anglia, UK, as a function of tissue water content. Representative species from contrasting acid bog, heathland, and fen woodland habitats were selected for monthly sampling of recent growth tissues between spring 2017 and autumn 2018, with isotopic signals in purified cellulose compared with tissue water, precipitation, and nearby groundwater signals. Sphagnum and Polytrichum groups, which tend to dominate peat formation, provided contrasting and complementary indi- cators of seasonal variations in carbon assimilation. Cellulose d18O signals from Sphagnum spp. demonstrate seasonal variations in source precipitation inputs; carbon isotope signals in Polytrichum spp. indicate evaporative demand and photosynthetic limitation. |
Exploitation Route | Use of solar induced fluorescence and stable isotope exchanges to model impact of climate change on moss carbon sequestration in boreal, arctic and antarctic regions; use in modelling global carbon storage and susceptibility to a changing climate. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Electronics,Environment |
URL | http://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/research/howardgriffiths |
Description | To support educational and outreach activities to explain the potential impact of climate change on natural vegetation informed the debate on climate change and carbon storage potential of mosses |
Sector | Education,Energy,Environment |
Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
Description | Citation in IPCC 5th assessment report on climate change |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | These are published materials composed of the full scientific and technical assessment of climate change, generally in three volumes, one for each of the Working Groups of the IPCC, plus a Synthesis Report. Each of the Working Group volumes is composed of individual chapters, an optional Technical Summary and a Summary for Policymakers. The Synthesis Report synthesizes and integrates materials contained within the Assessment Reports and Special Reports and is written in a non-technical style suitable for policymakers and address a broad-range of policy-relevant but policy-neutral questions. It is composed of a longer report and a Summary for Policymakers. The scientific observations cited in the report confirm the impact of global warming on moss growth on the Antarctic peninsula |
URL | https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/ |
Description | Participation in a scientific discussion on national and international radio science programme |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
Impact | Discussion of key topical area for Naked Scientist radio programme Naked_Scientists_Show_18.05.29_chap8-9-1 5:56 0 1 |
URL | https://www.thenakedscientists.com/ |
Description | Presentation to RBG Kew Trustees |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Advice on linking primary research and translational activities in the development sphere |
Description | Holocene evolution of the Southern Annular Mode using novel peat isotope proxies. PI Dan Charman with Matt Amesbury (Exeter) and investigators from Cambridge and Victoria, NZ. |
Amount | £245,011 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2015 |
End | 09/2018 |
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 |
Title | Collated data for environmental physiology of mosses from fieldwork /laboratory studies |
Description | Collated data for environmental physiology of mosses from fieldwork and laboratory studies We would like to confirm for you that NERC Grant NE/M001946/1 has deposited all data outputs of long-term value identified on its DMP with agreed repositories. It is therefore in compliance with NERC Data Policy. This concludes the data management support that the EIDC has been providing to the grant, and we look forward to working with you again in supporting your future research. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Major publication associated with environmental responses of mosses to climate change Proc. R. Soc. B 289: 20212470. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.2470 Stable isotope signals provide seasonal climatic markers for moss functional groups |
Description | Ad hoc discussions with public during field work |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Discussions with members of the public, wardens etc about the work that we are doing as we carry out field work at publically accessible sites across East Anglia |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
Description | Blog interview with JR about research |
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 | Interview about work with JR for blog aimed at a combination of science and art |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.wearestardust.uk/blogs/news/we-are-stardust-interview-with-botanist-dr-jessica-royles |
Description | Botanic Garden Newsletter |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | Description of research and collaboration with CU botanic garden for the Garden Newsletter |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
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 Zero Research Symposium: Wednesday 17th February, 15.00 - 17.15: Resources & Production Prof Howard Griffiths, "Costing water into agricultural production and distribution" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presentation and debate on key environmental and sustainability issues |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/cambridge-zero-research-symposia-2021 |
Description | Climate Change Festival Debate Panel member |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Part of the Cambridge Zero Climate Change Festival, this panel discussion explored the impact that our food systems have on the environment, and the changes we could make to ensure they are resilient and sustainable at national and global levels. Climate change is already affecting global food supplies and yields are falling. COVID-19 has shown us that we need new food systems which can withstand external shocks. The Panel discussed how we can create the conditions for resilient and sustainable systems both nationally and internationally, taking into consideration the needs of the different actors and countries that make up the food supply chain. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/events/fixing-food-systems-resilience-and-sustainability-reality |
Description | Discussions during fieldwork |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Ad hoc encounters with the general public whilst carrying out field work: answering their questions and discussion of the aims, background and potenential outcome of the work |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
Description | Employing summer students |
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 | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Employment of a summer student, a student at the University of Cambridge, to participate in research and outreach activities during the summer vacation |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017,2018 |
URL | http://data.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/moss_ecophysiology/ |
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 | Institute for Continuing Education presentation: Mosses on a roll as climate change gather pace |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Study at one of the world's leading universities this summer. Every July and August our International Summer Programmes offer adults of all ages and backgrounds an intensive learning experience with the opportunity to live in some of Cambridge's most beautiful Colleges. Over 175 courses and seminars, plus 200 supplementary lectures make up our open-access programmes: summer science programme |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Introduction Session - CCfCS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Introduction session to the Cambridge Centre for Climate Science: outlining the climate science related work underway in the Department of Plant Sciences - included section on this NERC funded project |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.climatescience.cam.ac.uk/ |
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 | 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 at 200th Anniversary of the National Herbarium of Trinidad, attended by President of Trinidad and Tobago and University of West Indies senior administrators and staff |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Invited seminar to demonstrate the importance of collections such as Herbaria to support fundamental crop science and ecological research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Presentation to British Bryological Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Invited presentation "From Antarctica to East Anglia: using mosses as environmental indicators" to the Annual General Meeting of the British Bryological Society: Approx 60 people in audience. Questions followed, including discussion of potential collaboration, and raised awareness of our work to many of the key bryologists in the country |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/meetings/forthcoming.htm#17d |
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 | Project website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Undergraduate summer student developed website to explain project and incorporate blog about ongoing work. Linked to department website, and sent to sites that we are working |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://data.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/moss_ecophysiology/ |
Description | Science on Sundays Botanic Garden talks |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Science on Sundays Science on Sundays is a programme of informal, monthly drop-in plant science talks here at the Botanic Garden which run for six months of the year, from March to August. Since its foundation, Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been a focus and stimulus for science in the University. This series of short science talks, curated by Professor Beverley Glover, Director of the Garden, aims to bring the latest discoveries in plant science to a wider audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Page.aspx?p=27&ix=3035&pid=2719&prcid=4&ppid=2719 |
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 | Summer student poster afternoon |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Summer student working on the project took part in afternoon workshop to present poster and discuss project |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://data.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/moss_ecophysiology/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/S-Young-poster.pdf |
Description | Summer student poster afternoon |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Poster prepared by summer student working on the project to show to other summer students and faculty working in the department |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Talk to Parent and baby group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Bried talk about Antarctic and moss related work to a group of around 40 parents and babies, open to the public in Ely |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.facebook.com/mummasandmore/ |
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 | 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 | 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 |