Norwich Scientists Write New Textbook on Plant Biology
22 January 2026 – The authors behind the new plant biology textbook being published today all have one thing in common: they are all staff and alumni from the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), two leading plant research institutes located on Norwich Research Park. The book, Essential Plant Biology, presents current and comprehensive knowledge of plant biology and highlights important topics for future development and research.
Published on 22 January by Taylor and Francis, Essential Plant Biology (ISBN 978-1041081739)
This lavishly-illustrated textbook is written at a level accessible to undergraduate biologists, and will be a valuable resource for all students and teachers of biology.
What readers can expect
Starting with the evolutionary history of plants, “Essential Plant Biology” addresses the dynamic nature and regulation of plant genomes, the conversion of products of photosynthesis into the vast diversity of molecules that comprise the plant body, and the nature and coordination of growth, development, and reproduction of the plant.
The following chapters describe how these fundamental properties of plants are impacted by their surroundings: by the physical environment including light, daylength and temperature, and by interactions with other organisms – pests and pathogens, pollinators and microbes that supply nutrients. Finally, the book outlines the history, importance and future of human interactions with plants.
Authors
Alison Smith, former JIC Group Leader and Emeritus Fellow
Allan Downie, former JIC Group Leader and Emeritus Fellow
Nicholas Harberd, former JIC Group Leader, Emeritus Professor of Plant Biology at the University of Oxford
Jonathan Jones, TSL Group Leader
Lars Ostergaard, former JIC Group Leader, Sherardian Professor of Botany at the University of Oxford
Robert Sablowski, JIC Group Leader
Colwyn Thomas, JIC Course Director of the Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement MSc
Some of the royalties from the book will go towards JIC’s work in providing opportunities for international students in plant biology.
