-Magdalen Lindeberg

Maureen Hanson, Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics and in the School of Integrative Plant Science, is a recipient of the 2022 Innovation Award from the International Society of Photosynthesis Research. Hanson’s research on photosynthesis utilizes synthetic biology methods to introduce CO2-concentrating microcompartments into chloroplasts. She has also worked on engineering of the carbon-fixing enzyme Rubisco in chloroplasts in order to enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis.

The ISPR award was created in recognition of the potential for insights from photosynthesis to contribute to progress in fields ranging from solar energy to global climate change and to encourage ISPR members to explore innovative practical applications of their results. The Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the transfer of photosynthesis research to the benefit of society at large, enhancing the visibility of the discipline in the process. It is accompanied by a small gratuity, sponsored by LI-COR Biosciences. Martin Parry of Lancaster University was a co-recipient of this year’s award.