About the Robert Hill Institute

The Robert Hill Institute (RHI) was established in 1989 to consolidate and enhance the University’s reputation for research into photosynthesis, building upon the earlier achievements of Professor David Walker FRS. Research in the Institute focuses on all aspects of photosynthesis, in plants and micro-organisms, from molecular and cellular aspects to ecophysiology and global change. We combine genetic, spectroscopic, biochemical and cell biological approaches to analyse processes such as light harvesting, effects of biotic and abiotic stress and plant responses to elevated carbon dioxide. Current projects include:

Macromolecular organisation of photosynthetic membrane complexes, as determined by electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy
Dynamic behaviour of photosynthetic membranes, particular the mechanisms which regulate light harvesting and provide protection from abiotic stress
Biochemistry and enzymology of chlorophyll biosynthesis
Plant cell signalling, with special emphasis on development of stomata and chloroplasts
Molecular aspects of environmental physiology: particularly impacts of light, drought, elevated CO2, and pathogens/parasites, on plant photosynthesis, including agronomic relevance
Photosynthetic metabolism, with special emphasis on carbohydrates and linkages with nitrogen assimilation and cycling, in C3 and C4 species
Novel techniques for in vivo measurements of photosynthetic processes: gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, optical spectroscopy, imaging of chlorophyll fluorescence and GFP.

The Institute is located within the historic Firth Court building in adjacent sections the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences and the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. It is currently composed of eight independent research groups led by Andrew Fleming, Julie Gray, Peter Horton, Neil Hunter, Richard Leegood, Paul Quick, Steve Rolfe and Julie Scholes. Each of these groups are housed in newly refurbished laboratories and has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art instrumentation, including: absorption, CD, fluorescence and FTIR spectrometers; FPLC, HPLC and LC/MS; ADC, Walz and LiCor IRGA; Walz chlorophyll fluorimeters; video imaging systems for GFP and chlorophyll fluorescence. The University has recently opened a new £4.5M plant growth centre. This provides 170 m2 of controlled environment plant growth area; it complies fully with stringent requirements for use of genetically manipulated plants, it provides simulation of the complete range of climatic conditions, from arctic to tropical, together with 64 m2 for growing Arabidopsis under strictly controlled conditions.

Since its inception, members of the RHI have made major contributions to photosynthesis research. Several hundred papers have been published, in leading journals such as Nature, Plant Cell, Proceedings National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Plant Physiology. In the last two years members of RHI have published 5 papers in Nature. RHI members have been invited speakers at all the International Congresses on Photosynthesis. In the last five years we have been awarded grants worth a total of more than £10 million. In addition, three of the eight principal applicants on the University’s successful £7.5 million “Plant Environment Interactions JIF application were members of the RHI.

There are currently 30 pre-doctoral and 25 post-doctoral researchers in the RHI. Pre-doctoral researchers are part of the University Graduate School which provides a framework for rigorous training in subject specific and generic research skills. The multidisciplinary nature of our research ensures a uniquely broad training in modern life sciences.

Members of the RHI are also actively involved in undergraduate teaching within the Departments and thus provide a stimulating and challenging academic environment for our students. Our courses are constantly under review to ensure that we give students the highest possible opportunities for future employment.