Climate change biologist is one of world's best researchers

A plant biologist who is fighting climate change by creating drought-resistant crops has been named as one of the world’s most influential scientists.

Professor Tracy Lawson has been revealed as one of the globe’s most cited researchers by an internationally recognised organisation.

Professor Lawson, from Essex’s School of Life Sciences, is among 6,636 researchers around the world recognised by analytics company Clarivate as Highly Cited Researchers for 2024.

It celebrates global researchers who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their field of research – reflected through their publication of multiple papers ranked in the top 1% by citations.

'Who's who'

The hotly awaited annual list is the “who’s who” of influential researchers based on data and analysis performed by experts and data scientists at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate.

Professor Lawson, who is Director of the Essex Plant Innovation Centre at the University, is among the 563 researchers from the United Kingdom to make it on the list.

And the biologist is not the only Essex researcher to make this year's list with Professor Reinhard Pekrun also named for his contributions to psychology and education.

The award follows a big year for Professor Lawson who oversaw the launch of a unique £3m lab in Essex.

The flagship STEPS lab will put researchers on the frontline in the fight against climate change and create crops for “tomorrow’s atmosphere today”.

Have a look inside the lab below

Professor Lawson’s work focuses on photosynthesis, stomatal behaviour, and water-use efficiency at the leaf and whole plant level.

Her team’s goal is to understand the impact that the changing environment has on these processes, and how to modify plants to grow more efficiently to feed the world.

'Honoured'

Professor Lawson said: “I am honoured to be included on the World’s Highly Cited Researchers list for another year.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in my lab and the incredible colleagues I have the privilege to work alongside.”

David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, praised Professor Lawson.

He said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Essex whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community.

“Their pioneering innovations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and secure world. These researchers’ achievements strengthen the foundation of excellence and innovation that drives societal progress.”