Juliet Coates

Dr Juliet Coates is an Associate Professor in Plant Molecular Genetics at the University of Birmingham, School of Biosciences, working part-time. Her research focuses on plant development, evolution, and cell biology, particularly the transition of plants to land. She advocates strongly for inclusion and diversity in academia, holding roles such as Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QAE) lead and APP lead. She earned her PhD from University College London and undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, specializing in Natural Sciences.

Her teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including courses on plant science, molecular genetics, and communication skills. Recent research projects include investigating submergence tolerance in seaweeds, MYB93 protein function in Arabidopsis and tomatoes, and DELLA proteins in moss. She has been awarded the University of Birmingham’s Excellent Practice Award and a Royal Society-Leverhulme Trust fellowship. Coates collaborates widely, including with artists and on public engagement projects like the 'Kelp Road' exhibition.

• Key roles: QAE Lead, APP Lead, Equality & Diversity Champion
• Research Themes: Plant evolution, environmental adaptation, and molecular genetics
• Grants: BBSRC, Gatsby Foundation, EU-Marie Skłodowska Curie
• Outreach: STEM ambassador, author of popular science, radio features