Enid MacRobbie Corresponding Membership
This honor, initially given in 1932, provides life membership and Society publications to distinguished plant biologists from outside the United States. The honor is conferred by election on the annual ballot. The committee selects no more than three (3) candidates, and these are placed on the ballot for approval of corresponding membership by majority vote. The president notifies successful candidates of their election. Election of a corresponding member is to be considered each year, and held if warranted, provided the election will not increase the number of corresponding members beyond two (2) percent of the dues-paying membership. Membership is required for this award.
2025 Winner: Christine Raines
Essex University, Essex, United Kingdom
Over the course of her distinguished career Christine Raines has significantly advanced our understanding of photosynthesis, particularly through engineering improved photosynthetic efficiency for increased crop productivity. Christine’s seminal contributions include the identification and characterization of crucial enzymes in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, notably chloroplast fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase, clarifying their roles in carbon assimilation and plant growth. Her pioneering use of antisense technology and multigene manipulations have profoundly influenced strategies to enhance photosynthetic performance. As an influential leader and mentor, Christine served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental Botany, and she has assumed significant leadership roles within the Society for Experimental Biology. Her impactful research and dedicated service firmly position her as an internationally recognized figure in plant biology.
Henri Batoko, Chair (2023-2028)
Tom Beeckman (2025-2028)
Fang Chang (2025-2028)
Chi-Yi Cheng (2025-2028)
Luis De Stefano (2025-2028)
Sylvia Lee, Staff Liaison