Helen Rees

Dr. Helen Rees is a Lecturer in the Department of Pest-Management and Conservation at Lincoln University, New Zealand, specializing in plant pathology with extensive experience across forestry, horticulture, and arable sectors. Her research focuses on sustainable disease management through integrated pest management (IPM) and microbial biocontrol agents, targeting fungal pathogens while aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for Zero Hunger and Responsible Consumption.

Her academic qualifications include:

• PhD from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom
• BSc (Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
• Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary and Higher Education from the University of the Highlands and Islands, United Kingdom

Rees' research integrates plant pathology, microbial ecology, and environmental epidemiology to develop sustainable agricultural practices. She investigates endophytic inoculation methods, mode of action of biocontrol agents, and epidemiology of fungal pathogens, with particular emphasis on forest health, horticultural crop protection, and soil biology systems. Her work bridges laboratory studies with field applications to create practical IPM solutions.

Analysis of her 13 publications (2017-2025) reveals dominant themes in Phytophthora taxonomy, Armillaria root rot management, and emerging grassland diseases. Recent work (2024-2025) focuses on downy mildew in cocksfoot and biocontrol opportunities in Scottish agriculture, demonstrating consistent progression from fundamental pathogen studies toward applied sustainable management strategies across global ecosystems.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Rees actively supervises Masters and PhD students while securing competitive funding, notably the 2023 Plant Health Centre Scotland grant for sustainable disease management. Her current projects involve microbial biocontrol development, Ramularia collo-cygni sporulation methods, and practical IPM implementation. She collaborates extensively with international researchers across the UK, New Zealand, and Vietnam as evidenced by multi-institutional publications.

Though specific lab structures aren't detailed, her research operates through cross-institutional partnerships focused on plant-pathogen interactions, with strong emphasis on translating laboratory findings into field applications for agricultural and forest ecosystems.