HE Woodman Prize

PhD supervisors are invited to submit nominations for the HE Woodman Prize for the best PhD or MPhil thesis submitted to the University of Cambridge in 2010 that is relevant to the chemistry of foods. Nominations should include a copy of the thesis abstract, a list of publications based on the work described in the thesis and a statement - 400 words or less - describing the impact of the thesis work and the basis of its relevance to the chemistry of foods. The value of the prize will be around £300 or any other value thought appropriate that is equal to or less than the spendable income and capital of the fund. The Prize is awarded by the Professors of Botany and Genetics and nominations by supervisors should be sent to Ombretta Orsini (oo203) in the Department of Plant Sciences by midnight on 18 January 2011.

David Baulcombe among most important figures in British science

Professor Sir David Baulcombe has been named among most important figures in British science in a list by the Times newspaper.

The Cambridge University news article.

Tom ap Rees Trust Fund: Invitation for Applications

The Department’s Tom ap Rees Fund was established in memory of Professor Tom ap Rees, former Head of Department and Professor of Botany. The income is used to make small grants to students in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, both undergraduates and postgraduates, who are in need of financial assistance in connection with their studies.

Applications to the Fund are invited twice a year, in April and September (with urgent applications being considered at other times if funds are available) To apply, please write a supporting case stating the amount requested and forward to Ombretta Orsini (oo203@cam.ac.uk) by 8 October for circulation to the Fund Managers.

Dr Julia Davies to be awarded University Pilkington Prize for excellence in teaching

On June 29th Dr Julia Davies will be awarded a University Pilkington prize for excellence in teaching.

The Pilkington Prizes were set up by the late Sir Alastair Pilkington, former Chairman of the Cambridge Foundation. The Prizes are supported by Cambridge University Press, and are awarded annually by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Richard.

Professor Howard Griffiths says:

“Julia joined the Department of Plant Sciences in January 1997 as a lecturer (Senior Lecturer in 2003) and has consistently delivered excellent teaching across a broad subject range. Her lectures in membrane biology, microbiology and plant biology are met enthusiastically by students. She has modernized curriculum content and outreach activities, set an excellent standard in pastoral care and rejuvenated plant sciences graduate education. If one were to describe Julia’s lecturing style, words utilized would include: ‘calm, authoritative, logical and well-organized’, with her delivery leavened by subtle humour and laced with compelling insights. Each year she receives tremendously complimentary feedback from students at IA, IB and Part II, and her care and interest in each student she teaches is clear for all to appreciate. She is an outstanding asset to the Department.”

Bicentenary Medal for plant scientist

Dr Beverley Glover has been awarded the Linnean Society Bicentenary Medal in recognition of the exceptional quality of her contributions to botany.

More information

In addition, from October 1st Dr Glover will be promoted to Reader.

Plant Sciences Exhibit at Royal Society Festival of Science and Arts: Meet the Algae: Diversity, Biology and Energy (25 June - 4 July)

The Department will be heavily involved with an exhibition located in the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre which takes place from Friday 25 June to Sunday 4 July 2010.

This is the official website.

This is the Plant Sciences Meet The Algae website.

The contact at Plant Sciences is Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley bgs21@cam.ac.uk.

Prof. Sir David Baulcombe elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences

Professor Sir David Baulcombe, Professor of Botany and Royal Society Research Professor, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge is one of forty new Fellows elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences in April 2010. There are now 983 Fellows of the Academy.

The Academy of Medical Sciences