Julian Hibberd

Professor Julian Hibberd is Professor of Photosynthesis and Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, within the School of the Biological Sciences. His research group, the Molecular Physiology Group, focuses on understanding and improving photosynthesis, particularly through the evolution and genetic regulation of the C4 pathway.

Research Interests:

• Evolution of C4 photosynthesis from C3 ancestors
• Gene regulation and transcriptional control in photosynthetic tissues
• Chloroplast development and bundle sheath cell specialization
• Synthetic biology approaches to improve crop productivity
• Use of model and crop species including Arabidopsis, rice, and Gynandropsis gynandra

His lab employs advanced techniques such as genome-wide transcription factor binding analysis, single-cell sequencing, reporter gene systems, and high-performance computing to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying C4 evolution and to explore how C3 crops like rice can be engineered for improved photosynthetic efficiency.

Contact & Affiliations:
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Email: info@plantsci.cam.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1223 333900