Christine Foyer Editor

Dr Alexander Ruban is a Professor in Biophysics at the Queen Mary University of London, UK. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of light energy utilisation and management in the photosynthetic membrane. The major goal of his lab is to understand how biological matter is designed to conduct a variety of intimate physical processes accompanying photosynthetic energy conversion and how structural properties of the photosynthetic light harvesting proteins govern flexibility and efficiency of photosynthesis. Recent advances of Professor Ruban's research include a discovery of the photoprotective molecular switch in the photosystem 2 antenna and establishment of the great plasticity in the light harvesting antenna design of higher plants. He has an impressive research and publication record and his expertise in plant physiology, biophysics and biochemistry make him uniquely suited to act as lead editor on this foundational, comprehensive title. Dr Christine Foyer is a Professor of Plant Science at the University of Leeds, UK. With over 400 published papers and 30,000 citations, Dr Foyer’s research is widely renowned within plant science. She is President Elect of the Association of Applied Biologists, the General Secretary of the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biologists, an elected Board Member of the American Society of Plant Biologists and a Member of the French Academy of Agriculture. She will soon take up the role of Editor in Chief of Food and Energy Security. She is also a senior Editor for Plant, Cell and Environment and an Associate Editor for the Biochemical Journal, The Journal of Experimental Biology and Physiologia Plantarum. The Foyer lab uses multidisciplinary approaches incorporating -omics technologies, molecular and biochemical techniques and whole plant physiology. Her expertise in the latest technology will bridge the gap between research and practice for students and advanced researchers. Dr Erik Murchie is a Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Nottingham, UK. His research interests include photosynthesis in crop plants, particularly the regulation of photosynthesis in response to environmental factors. His research lab examines the fundamental processes in crop plants such as light harvesting, carbon assimilation and energy dissipation, but also works with novel agricultural systems such as those which are making use of novel lighting technology in horticulture. Dr Murchie brings a wealth of foundational knowledge but also real-world examples of novel innovations in photosynthesis, something that both students and advanced researchers would find highly valuable in a modern foundational title on photosynthesis.