Michael Jones

My research interests are in plant ecophysiology. Plant ecophysiology is an experimental science that seeks to describe the physiological mechanisms that underlie ecological observations. My work has focused on plant responses to global atmospheric and climate change as well as establishing the potential for mitigation of atmospheric change through the development of herbaceous energy crops. Since the 1980’s I have been studying the effects of changing climate, and the direct effects of rising CO2 on agricultural and natural grasslands. I am internationally recognised for my research on plants with C4 photosynthesis, their adaptation to temperate climates and their potential uses as energy crops. I have been involved in numerous multinational research programmes in Europe and East Africa.

Current Research and Research Opportunities
1. Coordinator of Department of Agriculture & Food Research Stimulus Fund project “Assessing the greenhouse gas budget of eco-tillage and other mitigation options for arable systems”.
2. Partner in Department of Agriculture & Food Research Stimulus Fund project “Assessing GHG impacts of establishing biomass and biofuel crops”.
3. Work Package leader in FP7 project “GrassMargins – Enhancing biomass production from marginal lands with perennial grasses”.