Professor Nicholas Smirnoff
Professor of Plant Biochemistry

Profile

My main research interest is in the synthesis and functions of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the growth and stress tolerance of plants. This is investigated in the wider context of the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in plants. I use biochemical and molecular genetics techniques as well as transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. I am part of a systems biology research network with Prof. Murray Grant and colleagues at Warwick and Essex Universities, which aims to identify gene networks involved in plant response to stress. We are also using interspecific crosses combined with metabolite and transcript profiling to identify genes that control metabolic traits. My teaching focuses on biochemistry (particularly metabolism), plant diversity and plant physiology.

Qualifications

1981: PhD in Physiological Ecology, University of St Andrews
1978: BSc Botany, University of Bristol

Career

2006-present: Professor of Plant Biochemistry, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
2001-2006: Reader in Plant Biochemistry, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
1998-2001: Senior Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter
1984-1998: Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter
1982-1984: Birkbeck College, University of London
1984: Agricultural and Food Research Council Wain Fellow

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