BSc (1992) University of Manchester; PhD (1996) University of Essex. Postdoc (1996 - 2002), University of Sheffield. Royal Society University Research Fellow (2002 - 2010) University of Sheffield. The Founder's Prize (2008) British Ecological Society. Senior Lecturer (2008 - 2011) University of Sheffield. Reader in Plant Biology (2012 - 2014) University of Sheffield. Associate Director, Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, University of Sheffield (2014-present) Professor of Plant Biology (2015 - present) University of Sheffield

The photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into sugars, and the use of this stored energy in plant growth, is the fundamental basis of life on Earth. My research group addresses three questions about these physiological processes: 1. Evolutionary Physiology: how have photosynthesis and growth evolved on geological and archaeological timescales? 2. Environmental Physiology: how are photosynthesis and growth influenced by environmental factors, and what roles do they play in the ecology of species and the structuring of ecosystems? 3. Ecosystem Physiology: how can plant growth be exploited sustainably for food and fuel in the changing 21st century environment? Following a long tradition in plant environmental physiology, our work spans scales ranging from genes to the globe, and utilizes a broad spectrum of approaches. We have a particular emphasis on comparative experiments right now. You'll find more information on this work at:http://osbornelab.group.shef.ac.uk These research interests are reflected in my teaching. I coordinate two undergraduate modules. At level two, World Ecosystems (APS223) explores the functioning and diversity of the world's ecosystems, and considers the historical and future impacts of climate change and land use. At level three, Global Change (APS313) examines interactions between life and the Earth system through geological history, looking at human impacts on the climate system and their implications for our lives. Level three and four undergraduate research projects in my lab look at functional aspects of plant biology, and typically take a comparative approach to investigate the mechanisms underpinning diversity in plant form and function.