”Exploiting Highly Mechanised Controlled Environment Growing Systems for Plant Breeding”

John Doonan
Professor, National Plant Phenomics Centre, Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University/Director, National Plant Phenomics Centre (UK)

John Doonan is Director of the National Plant Phenomics Centre (NPPC) and Professor of Genetics at Aberystwyth University. His research combines genetics, cell biology, and high-throughput phenotyping using both controlled environments and in-field surveillance systems to understand how plants integrate genetic and environmental signals to control growth and development. Under his leadership, the NPPC has become a key centre for developing and applying AI-enabled technologies to study and improve crop performance, with a focus on cereals and climate resilience. Professor Doonan also contributes to national and international strategies for the development of advanced phenotyping platforms and their application to addressing challenges in plant breeding.