An Aberystwyth University academic has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, which supports “outstanding” early career scientists.
Dr Hannah Rees, from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), will receive more than £1.8 million to fund eight years of research.
Dr Rees is planning to use the funding to explore whether seagrasses have evolved circatidal clocks, helping them to change their behaviour in anticipation of changing tides.
Seagrasses play a key role in fostering the biodiversity of sealife, are a home to particularly rare fish and account for 10% of the carbon capture of the ocean.
Dr Rees said:
“Seagrasses are a fascinating species. They are central to the oceans’ ecosystem and their roots help protect our coastline. Thanks to the Royal Society, I will be able to explore how biological clocks in seagrass work and how they can be used to help aid restoration efforts. If we find circatidal clocks in seagrasses we will have uncovered an entirely novel timing mechanism in flowering plants – it’s very exciting!
“It is huge honour to be one of the recipients of this year’s Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships. It plays a major role in helping academics with caring responsibilities have the time and support to carry out research.”
Professor Iain Donnison, Head of IBERS, said:
“We are delighted to see Hannah awarded a Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship. This prestigious award recognises both her exceptional potential as a researcher and the international significance of her work.
“Hannah’s research will improve our understanding of seagrass ecosystems, which are increasingly important for biodiversity recovery, coastal resilience and carbon storage. The Fellowship is a major investment in an outstanding early career scientist and further reinforces the strength of plant and environmental science at IBERS.”
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:
“I am delighted to welcome this latest cohort of Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows. These highly accomplished scientists represent the next generation of world-leading researchers.
“Supporting outstanding early career researchers to pursue ambitious and original ideas is essential to the future of science. The Royal Society is proud to provide the long-term funding and support that helps to nurture exceptional talent.”
Feature image: Dr Hannah Rees
