Jill Farrant

Jill Farrant is Professor and Research Chair in Plant Molecular Physiology at University of Cape Town. A leading expert in the field of plant molecular physiology and cell biology, she is determined to find the secrets behind self-protective properties of resurrection plants in order to improve the resistance of crops in Africa. By comparing several species of resurrection plants under physiological, biochemical and molecular aspects, Farrant aims to create a basis for bioengineering drought-tolerant crops - a project of particular importance for the African continent, where the impacts of climate change have devastating effects on agriculture and food security.