Christine Raines

Professor Christine Raines is a leading academic in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex. Her primary role is Professor of Biological Sciences with over three decades of research experience in plant physiology and photosynthesis. She holds a PhD and has served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental Botany, President of the Society for Experimental Biology (SEB), and Chair of the SEB Plant Section Committee.

Her research focuses on enhancing crop productivity through metabolic engineering of photosynthetic pathways, particularly in C3 and C4 plants. Key areas include optimizing the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, improving RuBP regeneration, and studying transgenic plant responses to environmental stresses. Current projects involve the RIPE project (2017–2022) and the EU Horizon2020 CAPITALISE project (2020–2025).

Collaborations include partnerships with Rothamsted Research (UK), University of Illinois (US), and Australian National University. Her lab has produced notable findings on SBPase overexpression in wheat, Rieske FeS protein effects in C4 photosynthesis, and metabolic engineering strategies for biomass improvement. Over 200 peer-reviewed publications highlight her contributions to plant biology and agricultural science.

Professor Raines mentors a dynamic research group including postdocs (Dr Hussein Gherli, Dr Shellie Wall) and oversees a legacy of PhD trainees contributing to sustainable agriculture solutions.