Thursday, 19 February 2026
Two plant scientists from the 糖心原创 have been recognised for their outstanding research with the Presidents Award.
Plant Physiologist, Dr Lorna McAusland and Dr Poonam Mehra, Principal Research Fellow from the School of Biosciences have received awards for demonstrating scientific excellence and impact in their research areas.
Dr McAusland specialises in investigating the dynamic responses of photosynthesis and water regulation to heat stress in wheat Lorna’s current research in Nottingham is developing techniques to uncover crucial characteristics which enable crops to survive high temperatures. In particular, the role non-foliar structures play in contributing to heat tolerance.
While the majority of our understanding about carbon capture comes from the leaves, non-foliar structures, such as the stems, fruits and flowers, offer an exciting, unexplored source of variation for how plants capture carbon in the face of rising global temperatures. The diversity of shapes and responses to heat will provide vital information on how to protect our crops from climate change; in particular wheat.
Dr Mehra’s research explores how plant roots sense and adapt to uneven soil moisture at single-cell resolution. Using advanced imaging technologies, Poonam investigates how roots detect water stress and reprogramme cellular processes in dynamic soil environments. Supported by a BBSRC Discovery Fellowship and a European Research Council Starting Grant, her work is uncovering non-genomic mechanisms that underpin root water sensing and plant resilience.
The President's Medal is awarded annually to scientists of outstanding merit and acknowledges and encourages the contributions of the next generation of experimental biologist researchers, encompassing researchers in the early to mid-stages of their careers, irrespective of age.
Image shows - L to R - Dr Lorna McAusland and Dr Poonam Mehra
Commenting in the award Lorna said: “I'm deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the support of my UoN colleagues, my mentors and my external collaborators. While I'm proud of what I've accomplished, I know there's still so many more physiological processes to uncover to protect our crops from future climates”
Dr Mehra said: “I’m truly honoured to be named a 2026 SEB President’s Medallist. This recognition reflects the excellent support of my team, mentors and collaborators. Understanding how roots sense and respond to water at the cellular level is an exciting challenge, and I look forward to advancing this work to help develop climate-resilient crops.’’
They will be presented with their awards at the SEB annual conference in July in Florence where they will also present their research.
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More information is available from Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创 jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.