Neil Willey

Professor Neil Willey is affiliated with the School of Applied Sciences at the University of the West of England (UWE). His primary expertise lies in plant physiology and doctoral education, with a focus on plant responses to environmental stressors.

• Role: Professor of Plant Physiology
• Area of Expertise: Plant physiology, radioecology, hydroponic systems, and urban farming

Neil’s research spans two main areas: (1) plant interactions with ionizing radiation, including radioisotope uptake in agricultural and natural ecosystems, and (2) hydroponic production systems for urban environments. He has contributed to projects like the TREE consortium (funded by NERC, EA, and RWM) and the EIC-funded Mi-Hy project on sustainable urban hydroponics.

Over 25 years, his work has been supported by institutions such as UWE, MAFF, BNFL, Leverhulme Trust, BBSRC, NERC, and the European Innovation Council. He authored the textbook Environmental Plant Physiology (2016, Garland Scientific) and served as Director of the UWE Graduate School from 2012 to 2023.