Francesco Licausi awarded title of Professor of Molecular Plant Physiology

We are pleased to announce that Wadham Fellow Francesco Licausi has been awarded full professorship under the University of Oxford's 2023 Recognition of Distinction scheme. His new title is Professor of Molecular Plant Physiology.

The conferral of the title of full professor recognisies an ongoing research record characterised by a significant influence on the field of study, of a high order of excellence and international standing.

Professor Licausi describes the research of his lab as follows:

"Molecular oxygen is essential for aerobic organisms, including plants. However, oxygen availability is not constant but rather fluctuates, due to variations in metabolic needs and the environment. We study the mechanisms that allow plant cells to sense oxygen levels and initiate signalling cascades towards developmental trajectories and metabolic adjustments. We also use synthetic biology approaches to exploit oxygen sensing mechanisms across kingdoms and investigate the evolution of aerobic metabolism, multicellularity and oxygen homeostasis."

Full professorship also recognises an ongoing record of effective teaching as well as service to the wider University or academic field.

Our many congratulations to Prof Licausi on the achievement!