Jim Rowe

Dr Jim Rowe is a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences. His work focuses on plant stress responses, particularly drought tolerance mechanisms mediated by abscisic acid (ABA). He developed the ABACUS2 biosensor to visualize ABA dynamics in living plants, revealing context-dependent hormone patterns critical for water conservation. Rowe's research integrates synthetic biology, imaging tools, and systems biology to engineer stress-resilient crops.

• PhD: Durham University (2011-2015)
• Postdoctoral research: Stuart Casson Lab (2016-2017), Alexander Jones Lab (2017-2024)

Research interests include ABA signaling pathways, plant water relations, and crop resilience to 'flash droughts'. His group uses novel technologies like FRET-based biosensors and image analysis tools (FRETENATOR) to study hormone dynamics. Current projects aim to link ABA patterns to functional outcomes in root and leaf physiology.

• Grants: £1.52m Royal Society Fellowship (2024-2032)
• Key awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship

Publications span plant physiology, biosensor development, and systems biology, with notable contributions to understanding ABA's role in drought resistance and hormone crosstalk. Lab activities include 3D-printed hardware design for experimental setups and collaborations on microcontroller-based instrumentation.