Dr. Bipin Pandey, a plant scientist of Indian origin affiliated with the School of Biosciences at the University of Nottingham, has been granted financial support for his research into the adaptive responses of plant roots in arid and compacted soil environments. This distinguished selection follows a rigorous process that included over 3,000 candidates, highlighting the potential impact of his work on the development of climate-resilient crops, as affirmed by the University.
Among this year’s recipients of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants, Pandey is one of 408 researchers to benefit from a total funding pool of $6 billion under the Horizon Europe program. This initiative primarily aims to aid promising early-career scientists, those with 2 to 7 years of post-PhD experience, in initiating their research projects, forming research teams, and pursuing their most innovative concepts.
In expressing his gratitude for this esteemed funding opportunity, Pandey acknowledged the highly competitive nature of the global applicant pool. He emphasized the importance of the grant in advancing his research, which aims to bring us closer to comprehending how we can modify plant roots to meet the increasing demands posed by climate change, a critical endeavor for sustainable food production as the global population continues to expand.
Pandey’s groundbreaking research will delve into the mechanisms by which plant roots sense and acclimate to challenging soil conditions, ultimately paving the way for the cultivation of crops better suited to withstand soil-related stresses. Employing advanced multidisciplinary approaches, his objective is to unveil the intricate processes governing how roots perceive and adjust to the diverse soil landscapes, encompassing both soft and compacted layers.
With the support of the ERC grant, Pandey’s work will shed light on the fundamental principles governing how root tips detect the physical attributes of the soil and adapt their growth strategies to penetrate through resistant soil barriers.
It’s noteworthy that Dr. Bipin Pandey, who pursued his higher education and earned his PhD in India before joining the University of Nottingham, currently holds the position of Discovery Fellow at the institution.
