Dr. Chris Whitewoods, a specialist in leaf development, is set to return to the John Innes Centre as a tenure track group leader in April 2026.
Dr. Whitewoods previously worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the John Innes Centre for six years, developing the carnivorous plant Utricularia gibba as a model to study complex leaf shape evolution. Since 2021, he has led a lab at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University, focusing on the patterning of internal leaf structures. His group employs genetic experiments, developmental analysis in plants, computational modeling, and image analysis to investigate leaf internal formation.
Dr. Whitewoods stated that the scientific breadth and resources for plant growth and imaging at the John Innes Centre are significant attractions. He expressed anticipation for collaborations and interactions within the plant and microbial science community, aiming to address broader research questions.
Leaves possess complex internal structures, including multiple cell layers, two primary types of photosynthetic cells, and a network of intercellular air spaces. The arrangement of these cells and air spaces is patterned in three dimensions and adapts to environmental conditions. At the John Innes Centre, the Whitewoods group plans to utilize newly identified mutant plants to investigate the specialized functions of photosynthetic cells. This research aligns with existing studies at the center, including work on stem elongation, leaf shape, and computational investigations into cell interactions during 3D leaf formation. Potential collaborations with groups researching metabolism, such as starch synthesis, are also noted.
Dr. Whitewoods indicated that exploring the relationship between leaf structure and function may contribute to crop improvement. He suggested this could lead to developing leaves with internal structures that support increased photosynthesis rates or improved adaptation to climate change.
The tenure track position represents a structured career path towards a permanent group leader role. Dr. Whitewoods emphasized the value of collaborative research and supporting the development of scientists within his lab.
Professor Cristobal Uauy, Director of the John Innes Centre, stated that Dr. Whitewoods' appointment is anticipated. Professor Uauy noted that Dr. Whitewoods' research aligns with existing work at the center and is expected to contribute to understanding leaf structure and crop improvement.