Dr Vinod Kumar

About me:

I am a biologist interested in the fundamental principles that underpin perception and integration of environmental signals in plants. I am particularly interested in understanding how plants sense temperature and other seasonal cues to coordinate growth, development and immune responses. Our current research is seeking to understand the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in response to the environment, and adaptation of these mechanisms to local and dynamic environments.

Major research areas/questions:

• Perception and integration of environmental signals
• Environmental epigenetics
• Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of environmental adaptation
• Impact of climate change on plant health – molecular mechanisms and evolution
• Elucidating the mechanisms of plant adaptation for climate resilience

Join us: We are keen to hear from prospective colleagues who want to join our team. If you are interested in our research and want know more or would like to join us in exploring an exciting area of research as a PhD student or as a Postdoc please get in touch with me through email.

Postgraduate Research opportunities: 

There are opportunities and projects suitable for prospective PhD and MSc by Research (MRes) students. I am open to email enquiries from self-funded students interested in pursuing an MSc by Research or PhD. I am also open to supporting students interested to apply for PhD Scholarships schemes including China Scholarship Council, Commonwealth Scholarship, etc.

Interests:

My research is addressing the fundamental biological question of how plants sense and integrate environmental signals. We are particularly interested in understanding the thermosensory modulation of growth and immunity. Current research is seeking to understand the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in response to the environment; and adaptation of these mechanisms to local and dynamic environments. Our long-term objective is to provide a mechanistic framework for temperature perception and its impact on growth and defense responses. We are interested in elucidating the fundamental principles that underlie important biological processes such as environmental signal integration and trade-offs between important traits. Beyond fundamental biology, our research will contribute to the efforts to improve yield, particularly through laying foundation for climate resilient crops in the long run.

Career:

2019 - Associate Professor of Plant Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter

2011 - 2018: Research Group Leader, John Innes Centre, UK

2011 - 2016: BBSRC Fellow (Institute Career Path/David Philips), John Innes Centre, UK

2006 - 2011: Postdoctoral Scientist, John Innes Centre, UK

2004 - 2006: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Delhi, India.