Global plant ecology group
Sustainability, ecology and evolution in a changing climate
About our research
Plants use photosynthesis to convert the sun's energy into sugars that fuel new growth. These processes of photosynthesis and growth support life on land, and underpin ecosystem carbon capture and global crop production. However, today's plant species vary more than tenfold in their growth rates. Climate limits plant growth at the global scale but, throughout their history, plants have evolved new ways to overcome climatic limitations.
Our research takes a global perspective on these issues, seeking to explain:
how climate change influences the photosynthesis and growth of wild plants and crops,
how evolutionary innovations in wild plants have adapted photosynthesis and growth to changing environments,
how ancient interactions between people and food plants increased the productivity of crops and led to the origins of agriculture,
how species differences in photosynthesis, growth and environmental tolerance cause global patterns in ecosystems,
how ecosystems can be sustainably managed to capture carbon and produce food in a changing climate.
Sustainable land-use
Tree encroachment in African savannas and woodland creation in the UK
Climate adaptation
Evolution, physiology and ecology of C4 grasses, and global ecology of grassy ecosystems
Crop production
Productivity and improvement of crops and the domestication of their wild relatives
About the group
We are a welcoming and supportive international research group, including postdocs, PhD and Masters students, and technicians. You'll find profiles for the current group on the People page.
Join the group
We advertise all funded positions at findaphd.com or jobs.ac.uk, but if you have identiifed or received a scholarship or fellowship and are looking for a suitable host group, then email Colin Osborne c.p.osborne@sheffield.ac.uk
