معرفی
Prof. Ferenc Nagy is a distinguished academic at the University of Edinburgh, UK, holding the position of Professor of Plant Cell and System Biology. He is also affiliated with the Biological Research Centre (BRC) in Szeged, Hungary, where he serves as Deputy Director, and holds honorary roles at the University of Freiburg, Germany. His expertise spans plant molecular biology, photobiology, chronobiology, and optogenetics, with a focus on light signaling pathways, circadian clocks, and stress responses in plants.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Genetics (1981), József Attila University, Szeged
- D.Sc. in Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Expression (1997), Hungarian Academy of Sciences
- Habilitation (2001), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
Research Interests:
His work explores phytochrome signaling, UV-B light responses, and circadian clock regulation. Key areas include the molecular mechanisms of light-controlled plant development, stress signaling integration, and optogenetic tools for mammalian gene control. His lab has pioneered studies on protein phosphorylation in phytochrome function and the role of UVR8 in UV-B perception.
Scientific Impact:
With 160+ publications, over 10,000 citations, and an H-index of 59, his research bridges fundamental biology and applied optogenetics. Notable contributions include defining the structure/function of phytochromes and identifying critical cis-regulatory elements in plant stress responses.
Leadership and Awards:
He has served as Deputy Director of BRC Szeged, General Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center, and Monitoring Editor of Plant Physiology. Recognitions include the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit (2013), Humboldt Research Award (1997), and membership in the German Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina).
