Steve Kelly

Professor Steve Kelly is a Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Oxford and Tutorial Fellow of Queen's College. His work focuses on understanding the molecular regulation of photosynthesis genes in grasses, combining comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, and genetic engineering. He leads a research group addressing knowledge gaps in gene expression mechanisms critical to crop productivity.

His research integrates bioinformatics and experimental approaches to study C4 photosynthesis evolution, chloroplast adaptation, and metabolic engineering for enhanced agricultural output. Key areas include the genetic basis of photosystem repair, transposable element contributions to metabolic pathways, and genome editing in rice to realize C4 photosynthesis traits.

Prof. Kelly has contributed to tools like Chloro-Count for deep learning-based chloroplast analysis and studies on stomatal regulation under drought conditions. His work bridges fundamental plant biology with applied agricultural challenges, aiming to improve food security through enhanced crop efficiency.

He collaborates internationally and mentors researchers across disciplines. His publications span plant physiology, genetics, and computational biology, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to advancing photosynthesis research.