University of Nottingham Research Fellow named as rising star in plant sciences
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 22 July 2026
UPDATED: 22 July 2026
A plant scientist from the University of Nottingham has been recognised for her outstanding research with a rising star award.
Dr Poonam Mehra, Principal Research Fellow from the School of Biosciences has been awarded the Rising Stars in Plant Science award 2026.
This annual competition hosted by the journal Molecular Plant and its sister journal, Plant Communications recognises outstanding early-career scientists for their groundbreaking research to address global challenges.
Dr Mehra’s research explores how plant roots sense and adapt to uneven soil moisture at single-cell resolution. Using advanced imaging technologies, Poonam investigates how roots detect water stress and reprogramme cellular processes in dynamic soil environments. Supported by a BBSRC Discovery Fellowship and a European Research Council Starting Grant, her work is uncovering non-genomic mechanisms that underpin root water sensing and plant resilience.
This award adds to Dr Mehra’s accolades as she also awarded the Society for Experimental Biology’s (SEB) President's Medal earlier this year. This is awarded annually to scientists of outstanding merit and acknowledges and encourages the contributions of the next generation of experimental biologist researchers, encompassing researchers in the early to mid-stages of their careers, irrespective of age.
Dr Mehra said:
“I’m truly honoured to receive this award. I’m incredibly grateful to my research team, mentors and colleagues for their constant support and encouragement throughout my research journey."
Professor Malcolm Bennett from the School of Biosciences added:
“The Rising Stars in Plant Science” award annually awards five outstanding early career researchers, selected from their peer group around the world, based on their exceptional scientific track record. Poonam deservedly ranks in this elite group based on her achievements to date and impact of her research in the future. I and every other Nottingham Plant Science staff member and student are very proud of Poonam’s international recognition."
