George Littlejohn

Dr. George Littlejohn is an Associate Professor of Plant and Fungal Biology at the University of Plymouth's School of Biological and Marine Sciences. He holds leadership positions including Associate Head of School and directs multiple PhD projects. His educational background includes a PhD and B.Sc.(Hons) in Genetics from the University of Glasgow, with extensive postdoctoral experience at institutions including University of Exeter and University of Glasgow.

Research focuses on plant-pathogen interactions using advanced imaging and molecular techniques. Primary investigations examine cellular mechanisms of rice blast disease and non-invasive diagnostic methods for plant stress. Key methodologies include chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy, and CRISPR-Cas9 genetic manipulation. Current projects investigate circadian clock influences on disease, fluorescence-based diagnostics (FIND project), and chloroplast roles in immunity.

Recent publications show strong emphasis on fungal pathogenesis mechanisms, particularly Magnaporthe oryzae infection processes. Articles frequently explore transcriptional regulation, immune signaling pathways, and organelle-level defense responses. Imaging techniques feature prominently, with methodological advancements in plant pathogen visualization.

• Society for Experimental Biology President’s Medallist (2014)

Significant grant funding includes UKRI Innovate projects on RNAi pest control (£208,000) and African agriculture biostimulants (£250,000), plus ERDF/INTERREG support for diagnostic imaging development. Current doctoral students investigate chloroplast immunity, gene expression control in weeds, and nematode management.

Laboratory collaborations include projects on psychedelic compound origins and biodegradable plastics environmental impact. The group maintains international connections through lectures at institutions in Sri Lanka, Iraq, Spain, and the US.