Author: Elizabete Carmo-Silva

Hi everyone, inspired by being asked to do something similar at a recent conference for early career researchers, I have recorded a presentation where I talk about my career path.

There are many diverse paths, no two people follow the same path, and everyone needs to find theirs. Seeing examples might help inspire someone, so that’s why I am doing this.

Examples of academic paths tend to be easier to find than alternative paths, and I would encourage you to also look elsewhere for diverse examples. Being successful is about being happy with what you do.

If you are curious to learn more about someone’s path, reach out to them and ask for a chat. Most people will be delighted to share their experiences!

Also, it is important to recognise that everyone goes through ups and downs. My path has certainly had many smiles, and quite a few tears as well! It is not all shiny, but it is my path, and one that I am happy with and proud of.

I am extremely lucky and grateful to have had many inspiring mentors and colleagues along the way, both senior and junior. Thanks so much for being there for me and making my journey brighter!!

I hope I can pay it forward and inspire others to be happy and successful too.

Warm wishes,

Elizabete

We are recruiting a postdoctoral plant molecular physiologist. This would be perfect for someone who has recently finished a PhD and wants to get some further experience by contributing to our synthetic biology project Super-Rice!

While it is a short term post (8 months because the project ends 30/06/2019), it comes with lots of perks! The post holder will visit XinGuang Zhu’s lab in Shanghai for up to 6 weeks and be able to attend the Gordon Research Conference on Chloroplast Biotechnology in Ventura in January! Deadline for applications is 28/10/2018! More details at: https://hr-jobs.lancs.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=A2446

One of our new projects as part of IWYP aims to increase wheat genetic yield potential by speeding up the response of photosynthesis in shade-sun transitions. We are excited about it and made a video to let the world know about it!  https://twitter.com/LancasterUni/status/1007245235745902592

A number of us at the photosynthesis group attended the IWYP Annual Meeting in Norwich, UK, June 2018, benefiting from fruitful discussions with collaborators from all over the world. https://twitter.com/IWYP_wheat/status/1007734155751378949

The importance of science communication was part of lively discussions at LUSO2018 on Saturday 16 June 2018. https://twitter.com/LancasterUni/status/1008650989019295744

This year’s retreat at Grasmere felt like a real treat!! Not only was the weather perfect to enjoy the Lake District at its best, we had a full day of productive scientific discussions focused on each project, and plenty of time to discuss science and the challenges and opportunities we face as scientists!

A great opportunity to be together as a team and reflect on what’s best about us, and where can we improve!

Looking forward to next year’s retreat already!

On Saturday 12 May, three Portuguese-speaking members of our team took part in the Native Explorers science education and outreach activity, co-organized by Lancaster University and the Native Scientist project.

Cristina, Catarina and Elizabete were so fortunate to take this opportunity to talk to Portuguese teenagers living in the Manchester area about photosynthesis research going on at LEC. Seeing the excitement of young people when realising how important plants are was priceless!

The photosynthesis team at Lancaster is researching how to improve carbon assimilation to increase crop yields, while minimising the use of resources. It started with the relocation of Martin Parry and Elizabete Carmo-Silva from Rothamsted Research in September 2015 (see the story here). In 2016 Steve Long, FRS, joined LEC on a joint appointment with his position at the University of Illinois (story here).

Our research is funded by the BBSRC, the International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP), and a sub-contract to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation award to the University of Illinois (RIPE). We focus on understanding natural variation across diverse plant genotypes in photosynthetic efficiency and regulation in response to the environment. We use this knowledge to improve carbon assimilation in crops through interaction with breeders and agronomists. We use biotechnological tools to improve specific photosynthetic processes and test the impact on overall plant performance.

Our team is part of a wider group, the Plant and Crop Science research group, consisting of ten academic staff and involving interactions with staff from across the other research groups. Research at LEC focuses on strategic applications and provides a link to policy and business. In addition, through its Enterprise and Business Partnerships (EBP), LEC undertakes a wide range of projects in partnership with business and industry.