Philip Poole

Professor Philip Poole FRS is a Professor of Plant Microbiology at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Somerville College. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, nitrogen fixation, and the rhizosphere microbiome. He leads the Rhizosphere Group, exploring bacterial genetics, symbiotic relationships, and plant nutrient dynamics.

Research Interests: Investigates nitrogen fixation mechanisms in legumes, plant control of root microbiomes, and microbial contributions to sustainable agriculture. Studies include bacterial survival in rhizospheres, nitrogenase biochemistry, and carbon cycling impacts.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Rhizosphere Group and contributes to the Synthetic Symbioses initiative via Oxford Mosaic. Group members include PhD students and postdocs researching plant-microbe symbiosis and microbiome engineering.

Awards: Recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

Advising: Supervises graduate students Ann-Kathrin Maurer, Matthew Campbell, Olivia Tjahjono, and Thomas Underwood. Collaborates with postdocs Dr. Alison East and Dr. Beatriz Jorrín.