CHRISTINE RAINES (–PRESENT)

in our sections and in our council, and therefore it seems only appropriate that we would have a female President”. Her leadership encouraged SEB’s tradition of providing opportunities for young scientists to present their research and network with their more experienced peers, ensuring there was no separation between professors, students and postdocs within the Society and its meetings. Reflecting on her belief she stated “we are all one big community”. In addition to her leadership roles in the SEB Council, Christine also contributed to the history of the SEB journals, serving as the first female Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental Botany. Under her editorship, the journal published novel research on topics such as the genetic engineering of plants and the regulation of photosynthesis.

Christine continues to be an influential figure in the field of plant science and her contributions to the field and the SEB have been invaluable.

Christine Raines, a British plant biologist who has made significant contributions to the field of plant science, is best known for her research on the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis and has been widely recognised for her work.

Christine studied for her undergraduate degree in Plant Biology at the University of Glasgow, where she also received her PhD with a thesis on photosynthesis. She then joined the molecular laboratory at the Plant Breeding Institute in Cambridge as a postdoctoral researcher and later joined the faculty at the University of Essex, where she continues to work as Professor of Plant Molecular Biology. Christine has established herself as a leader in her field of research, which has focused primarily on the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis, with an emphasis on understanding how plants can be optimised for greater efficiency and productivity. She has also investigated how plants respond to environmental stress and how they can be genetically engineered to produce more biomass.

One of Christine’s most notable scientific contributions has been her work on the Calvin cycle. She and her team discovered that the enzyme SBPase plays a critical role in controlling CO2 assimilation in tobacco plants. By increasing the expression of this enzyme, they were able to increase the photosynthetic capacity and yield of transgenic tobacco plants. This finding has important implications for the agricultural industry because it has the potential to significantly increase crop yields, a vital aspect in combating food insecurity.

Christine’s contributions to the scientific community go beyond her research work. In 2017 she became the first female president of the SEB, during which time she worked to increase the participation of women in science and to promote diversity and inclusion in the field. On her appointment, Christine commented “women have played a significant role

The SEB owes much of its success to the pioneering women who have contributed to the Society and the field of experimental biology. Marie Lebour, Irene Manton and Christine Raines are just a few of the inspiring women who dedicated their careers to advancing this field, paving the way for future generations of scientists. Through their groundbreaking work, these women have left an indelible mark on the SEB and the wider scientific community. If you’re interested in learning more about the other women who have shaped the SEB over the past century, you can find an in-depth article on the SEB website under the centenary section.

Bibliography

Marie Lebour

• Ogilvie MB, Harvey JD. The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science: Pioneering Lives from Ancient Times to the Mid-20th Century. Routledge, 2000, p745–746.

• Shannen. Half-hidden Histories: Marie Lebour. 21 May 2020. https://storieswithshannen.wordpress. com/2020/05/21/half-hidden-histories-marie-lebour/

• Watts M. Marie V. Lebour 1904-1971. J Mar Biol Assoc UK 1975; 55: 403–410.

Irene Manton

• Leadbeater B. Irene Manton: a biography (1904–1988). The Linnean 2004; Special Issue 5.

• Preston RD. Irene Manton. 17 April 1904–13 May 1988. Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society 1990; 35: 247–261.

Christine Raines

• Professor Christine Raines becomes SEB President. SEB News. 6 January 2017. https://www.sebiology. org/resource/professor-christine-raines-becomesseb-president.html

• Raines C. Letter from the President. SEB Magazine 2017, Autumn, p4–5. https://www.sebiology. org/news-publications/magazine/autumnmagazine-2017.html

• University of Essex Faculty of Science and Health. Professor Christine Raines [faculty page]. https://www. essex.ac.uk/people/RAINE84508/christine-raines

BY ANA CAROLINE COLOMBO AND REBECCA ELLERINGTON