Professor Zoe Wilson

Responsibilities

Professor Zoe Wilson is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science. Zoe has executive responsibility for the Faculty and is a member of the University Executive Board. The Faculty comprises of seven Schools: Biosciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, Pharmacy, Physics and Astronomy and Psychology.

Profile

Zoe is an alumna of the University, holding both her PhD in Plant Science and BSc (Hons) in Botany and Microbiology from Nottingham. She has worked extensively in the international space to develop University-level collaborations particularly with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Adelaide. She is Director of the Nottingham UKRI BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme.

Prior to commencing the PVC role, she was Associate PVC for Faculty of Science for 4 years, which involved overseeing research strategy development, delivery of research targets, recruitment and mentoring of Nottingham Research Fellows/ Anne McLaren Fellows, working closely with the Schools to facilitate interdisciplinary opportunities and support systems for sharing research best practice. She served as Director of Research for the School of Biosciences for 2 years and was the Lead for the Global Food Security Research Priority Area (RPA) from 2015-2019. 

Teaching and Research Summary

Zoe is a Professor of Developmental Plant Biology; her research focuses on the molecular genetic analysis of plant reproduction and genomic technologies to support the improvement of crops. In particular, the optimisation and control of male fertility for effective breeding strategies aimed at delivering crop improvements to aid food security. A major focus is the impact of abiotic stress, particularly temperature on pollen development and crop fertility. Her teaching encompasses molecular genetics, biotechnology and development, to biologists, environmentalists, biotechnologists, and plant scientists, with focus towards agricultural food security.