Malcolm Bennett

Malcolm Bennett is Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Nottingham. He researches the ‘hidden half of plants’, exploring how roots grow, develop and adapt to their soil environment. Malcolm Bennett is ranked among the most highly cited researchers within animal and plant biology, and he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2020.

Malcolm Bennett’s research group has characterised many of the regulatory mechanisms that control root growth and development. This knowledge of the factors that regulate key root traits such as angle, depth and branching is now being used to develop crops with root systems that produce larger yields. Another goal is to uncover new root traits that determine water and nutrient use efficiency in crops.

Malcolm Bennett has provided enormous support to the development of Umeå Plant Science Centre into a world leading centre in plant biology through his collaborations with several of the centre’s research teams. He has also provided his expertise in faculty appointments and as external reviewer of doctoral theses being defended. Furthermore, he has mentored many young group leaders, contributing significantly to their academic progress.

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Malcolm Bennett. Photo: University of Nottingham