A plant scientist from the University of Nottingham is one of the winners of this year's the Black in Plant Science Research Excellence Awards.
Zimbabwe-born Dr Charlene Dambire is a Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences. She has been recognised for her research analysing the role of specific pathways in plants that provides new insights into how plants respond to challenging environmental conditions.
Black in Plant Science is a network that provides support to UK-based persons of Black heritage studying, working, or engaging with plant science. They aim to connect, celebrate, and cultivate UK-based Black Plant Scientists.The BiPS Research Excellence Awards celebrate high quality, impactful research in the plant science discipline carried out by early career Black and Black heritage researchers across the UK. The awards also celebrate outstanding contributions to promoting the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within their research communities.
Charlene explains how she became interested in the plant science area and what she hopes her research can achieve: "My initial interest in plant sciences arose from a curiosity about how we can enhance crop yields in drought prone areas, particularly in my home country Zimbabwe, where crop production can be heavily impacted by drought episodes. I became fascinated by understanding the mechanisms that enable plants to survive in challenging environments. The potential of my plant science to address critical economic and societal issues in Zimbabwe and globally further motivated me to pursue research into this field. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to improving the livelihoods of people through my research as agriculture plays a central role in both the economy and food production."
As well as he research achievements, Charlene has been recognised for her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM through the creation of Ideas2Careers, a mentorship platform aimed at empowering Black girls in STEM.
Charlene is an advocate for connecting students with mentors who provide resources and support helping to highlight opportunities for STEM careers, contributing to the development of a more diverse talent pool, which is important for driving innovation and progress in science.
She said: "Winning the (2025) UK Black in Plant Sciences Research Excellence Award is an immense honour and a powerful affirmation of my dedication and passion for advancing research in plant sciences. As a Black woman in Plant sciences, this recognition signifies not only my personal achievements but also the breaking of barriers in a field where people like me are often underrepresented. It is a celebration of the unique perspective I bring to the scientific community and a reminder that diversity is crucial in driving innovation and progress. This award fuels my commitment to inspire others from minority backgrounds to pursue their passions in Plant science and to continue pushing boundaries for future generations.
For Black girls who dare to dream and aspire to pursue STEM careers, I would say it's crucial to embrace your identity and recognize the unique value you bring to the field. Celebrate your individuality and seek out role models who have walked the path you aim to follow, let their experiences help guide you on your journey.
Charlene recognises the importance of support and mentorship in her own journey: "Mentorship has been a critical part to my journey, and I would not have achieved this recognition without the guidance and support of Prof. Michael Holdsworth and the School of Biosciences. A mentor's role goes far beyond offering academic advice; they inspire confidence, challenge me to push boundaries, and help me navigate the obstacles that come with a research career. Professor Holdsworth's unwavering support and expertise have been pivotal in shaping my development as a scientist. The School of Biosciences has also played a significant role, providing an environment where I've been able to thrive. This award is not only a personal achievement, but a tribute to the power of mentorship and the incredible support I've received at the University of Nottingham. It's a win for me, but also for the university's commitment to fostering diverse talent and excellence in research."
It has been a pleasure to provide the resources and academic support to mentor Charlene during the different stages of her career development in plant science and help her to progress as an outstanding plant scientist
