Five crop researchers who could change the world

Julian Hibberd has been identified as one of 'Five crop researchers who could change the world' by Nature, the top interdisciplinary scientific journal (volume 456, 563-569). The Nature news feature covers the work of five ambitious scientists determined to stop the world from going hungry. Julian's research programme, with funding from the International Rice Research Institute, will attempt to produce rice with the C4 photosynthesis pathway, potentially increasing grain yield by up to 50%.

Read the Article.

PhD studentship applications now being accepted

Click here to visit the studentship webpage

The Department is the premier University Centre for research in plant and microbial sciences. It offers unrivalled research and training opportunities in the following areas of plant and microbial science:

• Bioenergy


• Cell Biology and Development


• Crop Improvement and Protection


• Epidemiology, Ecology and Evolution


• Systems Biology and Mathematical Modelling

Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

(THREE POSTS; ref HSFBC001)

The Managers of the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Fund invite applications in the general fields of biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics to be held in the appropriate Department at the University of Cambridge from 1 October 2009 or otherwise by negotiation. Fellowships are available for between two or three years. These Fellowships provide an opportunity for independent research, although the holders will usually work in close collaboration with an established research groups. Information relating to the School of Biological Sciences can be found at http://www.bio.cam.ac.uk/.

In accordance with Dr. Smith’s will, applications are restricted to candidates who have completed their PhD degree, or equivalent, within the last three years at any university but normally excluding Cambridge and Harvard.

The stipend will be on the University’s Postdoctoral Research Associate scale which currently is between £25,888 to £33,780 per annum (pay award pending). Appointment will be at an appropriate point on this scale. Fellows also receive £10,000 p.a. for research expenses.

Closing date for applications: 1 December 2008. Further details and application pack are available from the Secretary to the Fund Managers, Tel. +44 (0)1223 761507, e-mail jw312@admin.cam.ac.uk.

David Baulcombe awarded ‘America’s Nobel’ Prize for medical research

David Baulcombe, the Professor of Botany at Cambridge University, is being honoured with the 2008 Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research for his discovery of how tiny RNA molecules govern gene activity through a process known as RNA silencing.

Article by David Baulcombe
The Lasker Foundation award description
Download the press resease
David Baulcombe's research page

Audioclips added to Science Week page

Audioclips added to Science Week page.

David Coomes promoted to University Senior Lecturer

Congratulations to David Coomes who has been promoted to University Senior Lecturer from 1 October 2008.

David Baulcombe wins award

David Baulcombe, the Professor of Botany, has been awarded the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science for 2008

The medal has been presented by the Franklin Institute to Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun and David Baulcombe for their discovery of small RNAs that turn off genes. The Franklin Institute has honored the greatest men and women of science, engineering and technology since 1824.