Prof. Katherine Denby elected SEB Plant Section Chair
Prof. Katherine Denby elected SEB Plant Section Chair
Newly elected Plant Section Chair, Prof. Katherine Denby.
Currently the convenor for SEB’s Plant Biotic Interaction Group, Katherine has been an active and involved member of the SEB community for over 8 years.
Talking about her new role and future plans, the University of York Professor and Academic Director of the N8 AgriFood Resilience Programme, said retaining the Society’s global reach would be a key goal.
“I think is important is that we maintain SEB’s reputation as an international Society,” said Prof. Denby (who formerly ran research groups at the Universities of Warwick and Cape Town).
“The SEB and I recognise the importance of international collaboration and connection and value the ability of science to cross boundaries.”
The new Plant Section Chair also aims to focus on the Society’s work with young researchers.
“It’s important that we promote and develop our young scientists and identify ways in which we can best support them.”
According to Prof. Denby, plant science is entering an exciting period.
“I think it’s an important and exciting time for plant science because it has a lot to offer in terms of meeting global challenges.”
“With all the new technology being developed and the fact we are getting increasing integration across disciplines, new types of research and new discoveries are possible.”
Prof. Denby highlighted the SEB Annual Meeting as a unique opportunity to foster these cross disciplinary collaborations.
“The value of the SEB is its breadth as a society, and growing numbers of joint plant/animal/cell sessions at the Annual Meeting, gives us the chance to share our ideas and learn from disciplines we wouldn’t usually interact with.”
Katherine Denby will officially take over from current chair, Vicky Buchanan-Wollaston, at the November SEB Council meeting.
Keep an eye out for the Autumn Issue of the SEB Magazine where Katherine will be featured in our “Spotlight” section.