Robert Jackson

Professor Robert Jackson is a distinguished academic at the University of Birmingham, serving as the Chair in Tree Pathology and Head of the School of Biosciences. He holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology and has held roles at institutions including the University of Oxford, University of Auckland, and University of Reading. His research focuses on bacterial-plant interactions, pathogen evolution, and biocontrol strategies for plant diseases.

He has held academic positions since 2002, including promotion to Professor of Molecular Microbiology in 2016. His leadership roles include Director of the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) and Deputy Head of the School of Biosciences. He is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Reading and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Akureyri, Iceland. His editorial roles include Senior Editor at Molecular Plant Pathology and Vice President of the British Society for Plant Pathology.

Research Interests:

• Bacterial plant pathogens and their mechanisms of disease
• Beneficial bacteria in agricultural systems
• Gene networks and horizontal gene transfer in pathogens
• Ecological interactions between bacteria, plants, and insects

Publications highlight his work on bacterial pathogenesis, genomic plasticity, and biocontrol solutions. His contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with key studies on Pseudomonas syringae and Ralstonia solanacearum. Awards and honors include his leadership roles in academic societies and editorial boards.

Grants and collaborations are central to his work, particularly through BIFoR, focusing on tree health and forest pathology. While no student names are listed, his mentorship is implied through his academic leadership roles.