Elizabete is an expert on the regulation of carbon assimilation by Rubisco in crop plants, especially wheat and cowpea. She leads a research team that aims to understand and improve the efficiency of photosynthesis to optimise the sustainability and climate resilience of crop production.
She received her undergraduate degree in applied plant biology at the University of Lisbon, where she went on to earn her PhD researching photosynthesis and photorespiration in C4 grasses. She specialized on the regulation of Rubisco by its molecular chaperone Rubisco activase as a postdoctoral researcher with the USDA-ARS, then started exploring this knowledge for crop improvement as a research scientist at Rothamsted Research. She joined Lancaster University in 2015 to start a research group that focuses on Rubisco regulation in crops.
Photosynthesis Team
Elizabete is one of several group leaders within the Photosynthesis team at the Lancaster Environment Centre.
Research Projects
Her research group is funded through the RIPE project, CAPITALISE, PhotoBoost, and Delivering Sustainable Wheat.
Administrative Roles
She is the LEC Director of Postgraduate Research Programmes, and the Lancaster University partner lead for the BBSRC-funded NorthWestBio Doctoral Training Partnership.
Teaching
She teaches in the second-year undergraduate module Research Design and Delivery (Bioscience courses) and supervises research projects by undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Supervision
Available funded positions for joining Elizabete’s group are always advertised on the Photosynthesis team website. Enquiries by prospective doctoral and postdoctoral researchers are welcome, either for the advertised positions or to apply for a scholarship or fellowship. A strong motivation to advance the understanding of Rubisco regulation, be part of a team, and contribute to enhance the sustainability and climate resilience of agricultural crop production is essential.
For funded positions, please see the Photosynthesis Team website. Enquiries are welcome for advertised positions (when available) or to apply for a scholarship to study Rubisco regulation.