We are delighted to hear that Philip Poole, professor of plant microbiology, has today been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Phil’s work focuses on bacterial genetics and molecular biology of plant-associated bacteria. His research explores how bacteria grow and survive in the rhizosphere – a nutrient-rich area which is key in plant productivity – and how bacteria establish symbiotic interactions with plants.
This is a critical symbiosis where carbon and nutrients are exchanged, and one which is relevant for many agricultural crops. Nitrogen is one of the main elements limiting growth and development of crops, particularly in agricultural soils for plant production of food, feed, fibre, and fuel.
Phil says:
“I feel humbled to be elected as a fellow of the Royal Society, but I realise this is recognition of all the amazing students and postdoctoral researchers who have come through my lab. Ultimately, it is their work that is being recognised and confirms that sticking with an area that matters to the global sustainability of agriculture is worth the long haul.”
To read more about the announcement of the Royal Society Fellows, visit: https://royalsociety.org/news/2025/05/new-fellows/
