Maurice Bosch

Dr. Maurice Bosch is a Senior Lecturer at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS). His research bridges plant cell biology and applied biotechnology, focusing on two key areas: plant cell walls and self-incompatibility (SI) systems.

His plant cell wall research investigates how chemical composition, structural traits, and gene expression affect biomass quality for bioenergy and resilience to environmental stressors like drought. He explores grasses (Poaceae) such as Miscanthus and perennial ryegrass, aiming to reduce recalcitrance for biofuel production.

In self-incompatibility studies, Dr. Bosch examines the molecular mechanisms in Papaver SI, where incompatible pollen growth arrest and programmed cell death (PCD) are driven by calcium, ROS, and actin signaling. His work in this domain spans mechanistic insights and translational applications.

His 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in Miscanthus bioenergy crops, SI-induced PCD in Papaver, and mechanical stress responses in monocots. These works span disciplines like biochemistry, plant physiology, and biotechnology, with sub-fields including lignin engineering, pollen-stigma proteomics, and transposable element impacts on breeding systems.

Dr. Bosch has supervised or co-supervised PhD students such as Kritika Bhardwaj and Ali Raza, with former students including Rebecca Hindhaugh and Ricardo da Costa. He has secured major grants from the BBSRC and UKRI, collaborating with institutions including the University of Birmingham and Nanjing Agricultural University.