Peer-reviewed publications

Barker C, Ashton P, Davey MP. 2025. Low Metabolic Variation in Environmentally Diverse Natural Populations of Temperate Lime Trees (Tilia cordata). Metabolites 15 (8), 509. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080509

Papadopoulos KP, Fernandes de Souza M, Archer L, Illanes ACZ, Harrison EL, Taylor F, Davey MP, et al. 2023. Vitamin B12 bioaccumulation in Chlorella vulgaris grown on food waste-derived anaerobic digestate. Algal Research. 75. 103290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103290.

Plasman, C., Terauds, A., Raymond, B., Lee, J., Hughes, K., Treasure, A., Neder, C., Colesie, C., Cajiao, D., Schaepman-Strub, G., Tołkacz, K., R. Pertierra, L., Quiroga, M. V., Davey, M. P., et al. 2025. Essential Biodiversity Variables Framework for Terrestrial Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems. SCAR Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16033540  https://scar.org/scar-news/life-sciences/eg-bamm-news/variables-workshop

Gray A, Thomson AI, Colesie C, Convey P, Fretwell P, Smith A, Peck L, Davey MP. 2025. Modelling Snow Algal Habitat Suitability and Ecology Under Extreme Weather Events on the Antarctic Peninsula. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 13: https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2025.1474446

Thomson AI, Gray A, Thomas N, Smith AG, Moulton H, Convey P, Fretwell P, Peck L, Colesie C, Davey MP. 2025. Surface darkening by abundant and diverse algae on an Antarctic ice cap. Nature Communications. 16, 2647 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57725-6

Davey, M.P.; George, R.M.; Ooi, M.K.J.; Burrell, M.M.; Freckleton, R.P. Metabolic Niches and Plasticity of Sand-Dune Plant Communities Along a Trans-European Gradient. Metabolites 2025, 15, 217. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040217

Cockell CS, Green DA, Caplin N, Grenouilleau J, McDonald FE, Calvaruso M, Billi D, Cullen DC, Davey MP et al (2024) BioMoon: a concept for a mission to advance space life sciences and astrobiology on the Moon. Discover Space, 128, 5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11038-024-09558-4 

Walshaw CV, Gray A, Fretwell PT, Convey P, Davey MP, Johnson JS, Colesie C (2024) A satellite-derived baseline of photosynthetic life across Antarctica. Nat. Geosci. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01492-4

Wood EE, Ross ME, Jubeau S, Montalescot V, MacKechnie K, Marchington RE, Davey MP, McNeill S, Hamilton C, Stanley MS (2023) From green to orange: The change in biochemical composition of phototophic-mixotrophic Chromochloris zofingiensis in pilot-scale photobioreactors. Algal Research 75: 103238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103238

Slocombe SP, Zúñiga-Burgos T, Chu L, Mehrshahi P, Davey MP, Smith AG, Camargo-Valero MA and Baker A (2023) Overexpression of PSR1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii induces luxury phosphorus uptake. Front. Plant Sci. 14:1208168. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1208168/full 

Llavero-Pasquina M, Geisler K, Holzer A, Mehrshahi P, Mendoza-Ochoa GI, Newsad SA, Davey MP, Smith AG (2022) Thiamine metabolism genes in diatoms are not regulated by thiamine despite the presence of predicted riboswitches. New Phytologist. 235(5):1853-1867. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18296

Martin N, Bernat T, Dinasquet J, Stofko A, Damon A, Deheyn DD, Azam F, Smith JE, Davey MP, Smith AG, Vignolini S, Wangpraseurt D (2021) Synthetic algal-bacteria consortia for space-efficient microalgal growth in a simple hydrogel system. J Appl Phycol https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-021-02528-7

Gray A, Krolikowski M, Fretwell P, Convey P, Peck LS, Mendelova M, Smith AG and Davey MP (2021) Remote Sensing Phenology of Antarctic Green and Red Snow Algae Using WorldView Satellites. Frontiers in Plant Science. 12: 8

Gray A, Krolikowski M, Fretwell P, Convey P, Peck LS, Mendelova M, Smith AG, Davey MP. 2020. Remote sensing reveals Antarctic green snow algae as important terrestrial carbon sink. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16018-w

Wangpraseurt D, You S, Azam F, Jacucci G, Gaidarenko O, Hildebrand M, Kühl M, Smith AG, Davey MP, Deheyn DD, Chen S, Vignolini S. 2020. Bionic 3D printed corals. Nature Communications.

Bunbury F, Helliwell KE, Mehrshahi P, Davey MP, Salmon D, Holzer A, Smirnoff N, Smith AG. 2020. Physiological and molecular responses to B12 deprivation of a newly evolved auxotroph of Chlamydomonas. Plant Physiology

Davey MP, Norman L, Sterk P, Huete‐Ortega M, Bunbury F, Kin Wai Loh B, Stockton S, Peck LS, Convey P, Newsham KK, Smith AG. 2019. Snow algae communities in Antarctica – metabolic and taxonomic composition. New Phytologist. 222 (3), 1242-1255

Shahab RL, Brethauer S, Davey MP, Luterbacher JS, Smith AG, Vignolini S, Studer MH. 2019. The Lactate Platform – A Consortium Based Consolidated Bioprocessing Strategy for the Yield-Optimized Production of Volatile Fatty Acids from Lignocellulose. Science 369. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb1214

Reynolds S, Davey MP, Aldridge D. 2019. Harnessing Synthetic Ecology for high value algae production. Nature Scientific Reports. 9 (1), 9756

Buayam N, Davey MP, Smith AG, Pumas C. 2019. Effects of Copper and pH on the Growth and Physiology of Desmodesmus sp. AARLG074 Metabolites 9 (5), 84

Ridley CJA, Parker BM, Norman L, Schlarb-Ridley B, Dennis R, Jamieson AE, Clark D, Skill SC, Smith AG, Davey MP. 2018. Growth of microalgae using nitrate-rich brine wash from the water industry. Algal Research 33, 91-98

Davey MP, Armitage E, Palmer B, Quick WP, Woodward FI. 2018. Cold acclimation duration, photosystem II maintenance and survival in Arabidopsis lyrata spp. petraea. BMC Plant Biology 18 (1), 277

Nunes M, Davey MP, Coomes D. 2017. On the challenges of using field spectroscopy to measure the impact of soil type on leaf traits. Biogeosciences. 14: 3371-3385

Lea-Smith DJ, Ortiz-Suarez ML, Lenn T, Nürnberg DJ, Baers LL, Davey MP, et al. 2016. Hydrocarbons are essential for optimal cell size, division and growth of cyanobacteria. Plant Physiology. 172: 1928-1940

Abdul-Awal SM, Hotta CT, Davey MP, Smith AM, Webb AAR. 2016. NO-mediated [Ca2+]cyt increases are dependent on ADP-ribosyl activity in Arabidopsis. Plant Physiology. 171: 623-631

Groen SC, Westwood JH, Jiang S, Murphy AM, Davey MP, et al. 2016. Virus infection of plants alters pollinator preference: A payback mechanism for susceptible hosts? PLoS Pathology. 12(8): e1005790

Tanaka K, Edwards JEM, Butlin RK, Burke T, Quick WP, Urwin P, Davey MP. 2016. Tissue culture as a source of replicates in non-model plants: variation in cold tolerance in Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics. 6: 3817-3823

Lea-Smith DJ, Biller SJ, Davey MP, Cotton CAR, Sepulveda BMP, Turchyn AV, Scanlan DJ, Smith AG, Chisholm SW, Howe CJ. 2015. Contribution of cyanobacterial alkane production to the ocean hydrocarbon cycle. PNAS. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1507274112

Howlett R, Davey MP, Quick WP, Kelly D. 2014. Metabolomic analysis of the food-borne pathogen: application of direct injection mass spectrometry for mutant characterization. Metabolomics 5: 887-896

Adesanya VO, Davey MP, Scott SS, Smith AG. 2014. Kinetic modelling of growth and storage molecule production in microalgae under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions Bioresource Technology. 157: 293

Davey MP, Duong GH, Tomsett E, Litvinenko ACP, Howe CJ, Horst I, Smith AG. 2014. Triacylglyceride production and autophagous responses in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii depend on resource allocation and carbon source. Eukaryotic Cell. 13: 392-400

Field K, George R, Fearn B, Quick WP, Davey MP. 2014. Subterranean photosynthetic activity and functional adaptation in the desert succulent Lithops aucampiae PloS one 8 (10), e75671 #

Berg B, Liu C, Laskowski R, Davey MP. 2013. Relationships between nitrogen, acid-unhydrolyzable residue, and climate among tree foliar litters. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 43: 103-107.

Vignolini S, Davey MP, Bateman RM, Rudall PJ, Moyroud E, Tratt J, Malmgren S, Steiner U, Glover BJ. 2012. The mirror crack’d: both pigment and structure contribute to the metallic blue appearance of the Mirror Orchid, Ophrys speculum. New Phytologist. 196: 1038-1047.

Davey MP, Susanti N, Wargent J, Findlay J, Quick WP, Paul N, Jenkins G. 2012. The UV-B photoreceptor UVR8 promotes photosynthetic efficiency in Arabidopsis exposed to high levels of UV-B. Photosynthesis Research. 114: 121-131.

Bokhorst S, Bjerke JW, Davey MP, Taulavuori K, Taulavuori E, Laine K, Callaghan TV, Phoenix GK. 2010. Impacts of extreme winter warming events on plant physiology in a sub-Arctic heath community. Physiologia Plantarum. 140(2): 128-140.

Berg B, Davey MP, Emmett B, Faituri M, Hobbie S, Johansson MB, Liu C, De Marco A, McClaugherty C, Norell     L, Rutigliano F, De Santo AV. 2010. Factors influencing limit values for pine needle litter decomposition - a synthesis for boreal and temperate pine forest systems. Biogeochemistry. 100: 57-73.

Lake JA, Field KJ, Davey MP, Beerling DJ, Lomax BH. 2009. Metabolomic and physiological responses reveal multi-phasic acclimation of Arabidopsis thaliana to chronic UV radiation. Plant Cell and Environment. 32: 1377.

Kunin WE, Vergeer P, Kenta T, Davey MP, Burke T, Woodward FI, Quick WP, Manerelli ME, Watson-Haigh NS, Butlin R. 2009. Variation at range margins across multiple spatial scales: environmental temperature, population genetics and metabolomic phenotype. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 276: 1495-1506.

Davey MP, Woodward FI, Quick WP. 2009. Intraspecific variation in cold-temperature metabolic phenotypes of Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea.  Metabolomics 5: 138-149.

Davey MP, Burrell MM, Woodward FI, Quick WP. 2008. Population specific metabolic phenotypes of Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea. New Phytologist 177(2). 380-388.

Davey MP, B Berg, P Rowland, BA Emmett. 2007. Decomposition of oak leaf litter is related to initial litter Mn concentrations. Canadian Journal of Botany. 85(1). 16-24.

Davey MP, H Harmens, TW Ashenden, R Edwards, R Baxter. 2007. Species-specific effects of elevated CO2 on resource allocation in Plantago and Armeria maritima. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 35(3): 121-129.

Davey MP, DN Bryant, I Cummins, P Gates, TW Ashenden, R Baxter, R Edwards. 2004. Effects of elevated CO2 on the vasculature and phenolic secondary metabolism of Plantago maritima. Phytochemistry. 65. 2197-2204.

Reviews and Book Chapters

Colesie C, Walshaw CV, Sancho LG, Davey MP, Gray A. 2022. Antarctica's vegetation in a changing climate. WIREs Climate Change. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.810

Davey MP, Smith AG, Mehrshahi P, Harrison E, Mastroleo F, Leys N (2021) Microalgae biotechnology for space applications. In: Position Paper: Why Space? The opportunity for Health and Life Science Innovation. Ed. Kate Robson-Brown, Philip Carvil. UK Space Life and Biomedical Sciences Association. http://www.ukspacelabs.co.uk/news-events/association-news/357-why-space

Bamber J, Bates P, Brindley H, Evans B, Jackson T, Merchant C, Davey M, Palmer P, Scott M, and Spencer T (2021) Space-based Earth Observations for climate security. COP26 Universities Network Briefing. https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_792662_smxx.pdf

White D, Silkina A, Skill S, Oatley-Radcliffe D, Van Den Hende S, Ernst A, De Viser C, Van Dijk W, Davey MP, Day J. 2015. Best Practices for the Pilot-Scale Cultivation of Microalgae, Public Output report of the EnAlgae project, Swansea, UK. Available online at www.enalgae.eu.

Silkina A, Flynn K, Llewellyn C, Bayliss C. [eds] 2015. Standard Operating Procedures for Analytical Methods and Data Collection in Support of Pilot-Scale Cultivation of Microalgae. Public Output report WP1A3.01 of the EnAlgae project, Swansea, UK. (contributing author).

Howlett R, Davey MP, Kelly D. 2017. Campylobacter jejuni:  Methods and Protocols. Book Chapter published in "Methods in Molecular Biology". Ed: A. Stintzi and J. Butcher.  Springer.

Brunetti C, George RM, Tattini M, Field K, Davey MP. 2013. Metabolomics in plant environmental physiology. Journal of Experimental Botany. 64: 4011–4020

Davey MP and Smith AG. 2013. Book review: Lipids in photosynthesis. Essential and regulatory functions. Annals of Botany. 111(2): viii-ix.

Davey MP. Metabolite identification, pathways and omic integration using online databases and tools. 2011. In: Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology:  Metagenomics and Complementary Approaches Ed. F de Bruijn. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 9780470644799

Davey MP. Plant environmental metabolomics. 2010. In: Metabolomics: Metabolites, Metabonomics and Analytical Technologies. Ed. Knapp JS and Cabrera WL. Nova Science Publishers. NY.

Scott SA, Davey MP, Dennis JS, Horst I, Howe CJ, Lea-Smith DJ, Smith AG. 2010. Biodiesel from algae: challenges and prospects. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 21(3):277-86.

Bundy JG, Davey MP, Viant, MR. 2009. Environmental Metabolomics: A Critical Review and Future Perspectives. Metabolomics 5: 3-21.

Morrison N, Bearden D, Bundy JG, Collette T, Currie F, Davey MP, et. al. 2007. Standard Reporting Requirements for Samples in Metabolomics Experiments: Environmental Context. Metabolomics 3: 203-210.

Doggart N, Joseph L, Bayliss J, Fanning E. 1999 Manga Forest Reserve: A biodiversity survey. East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme, Tanzania. ISBN: 9987-646-04-2

Other research outputs

Metapolish - the merging, annotation & polishing tool for metabolite peak list data: https://github.com/AndreHolzer/Metapolish

Invited speaker

2025: Photosynthesis and temperature extremes in a changing world. Lorentz Center research workshop Leiden, The Netherlands.

2025: UK Polar Network online seminar series. Antarctic snow algae and expedition overview.

2024: 5th Snow Algae Meeting, Nord University, Bodø, Norway

2024:  SCAR OPEN Science Conference, Convenor: Microbial Biogeography of Antarctica, Pucón, Chile (not attended due to illness)

2024:  International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, India, online

2024: International Metabomeeting/Metabolic Profiling Forum – Liverpool, UK. Metabolomics of snow algae.

2023:  Scientific Committee of Antarctic Research (SCAR) Biology congress – New Zealand (presentation given by A. Thomson my PDRA as unable to attend)

2023:  EU EnhanceMicroAlgae Conference. Manchester University

2023: UKRI NERC Advanced Training course in Multi-Omics. Keynote Speaker. Liverpool University

2023:   Newcastle University Marine Biology Seminar series

2023:   RRS Sir David Attenborough Research ship, Antarctica, on-board research talk series.

2022:   UK Polar Network annual meeting, Edinburgh.

2022:   University of Derby Geological Society

2021:   UK Space Labs annual meeting

2021:   UK Polar Network annual meeting

2021:   British Phycological Society – main meeting, online

2020:   Metabolomics Society – main international meeting, online

2020:   Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) conference, online

2020:   3rd International Snow Algae Meeting, online

2019:   Departmental seminar series: University of East Anglia, University of Aberdeen

2018:   2nd International Snow Algae Meeting – Fraunhofer, Germany

2017:   Leeds University (Departmental Seminar Series)

2016: Environmental Genomics and Metabolomics (NERC training), Birmingham (keynote speaker)

2016:   NERC Renewable Energy Conference, QEII Conference Centre, Westminster

2015:   Bio-cosmetics from Desert Plants. Kew Gardens, UK.

2015:   Royal Society – Understanding Plasticity in Marine Microbial Ecosystems. UK.

2015:   International Environmental ‘Omics Synthesis Conference. St Andrews. UK.

2013:   University of Manchester, UK. (Departmental Seminar Series)

Selected conference organisation:

2025: Beauty By The Sea. Cosmetics Industry and Academia Event. SAMS Enterprise, Canadian and UK Cosmetic Clusters. SAMS, Oban, UK. Co-Organiser and speaker.

2025: Algae in Closed Systems in Space and on Earth Space meeting. UKSA, Space-Scotland, BBSRC Algae-UK and NERC CCAP, Oban, UK. Co-organiser and speaker.

2024:  SCAR OPEN Science Conference, Convenor: Microbial Biogeography of Antarctica session co-coordinator, Pucón, Chile

2015:   Algae Around the World Symposium. Polar Algae Physiology. (main organiser)

2007 - 2016:    Plant Environmental Physiology Group (British Ecological Society) – Chair (organising multiple conferences, symposia and field courses in UK and Portugal)

2004 - 2009:    British Ecological Society (BES) – Meetings Committee and Overseas grants panel

Chair of multiple BES international conferences

Selected presentations by others in research group

2025: Snow algal plasticity and metabolic responses during a simulated Lunar light cycle. 4th Annual International Space Ecology Workshop USA online. Presentation by my PhD student Carla Ruiz Gonzalez.

2025: Snow algal plasticity and metabolic responses during a simulated lunar light cycle. Astrobiology Society of Britain. St Andrews, UK. Presentation by my PhD student Carla Ruiz Gonzalez.

2025: Snow Algae Plasticity and Metabolic Shifts Under Simulated Lunar Light Cycles and Gravity Conditions: Implications for Biological Life Support Systems. MELISSA Space Conference, Spain. Presentation by my PhD student Carla Ruiz Gonzalez.

2025: British Phycological Society main meeting, UK (My PDRA Dr Alex Thomson delivering talk). Snow and ice algae in Antarctica and Scotland.

2024: R Giaccari, D Giordano, M Clark, M P. Davey, N Thomas, A Thomson, M Viglioli, F Vacondio, C Verde, S Bruno. Nutraceuticals from the cold: impact of global warming on the polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in the Antarctic diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus. FEBS OPEN BIO (Wiley). 14: 154

2022: Yash Pardasani, Frederik de Boever, Felice Mastroleo, Natalie Leys, Alex Thomson, Naomi Thomas, David Green, Matthew P. Davey. Survival potential of algal species for long term space missions. 44th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022cosp...44.2865P/abstract   

2022: Ellen Harrison, Natalie Leys, Felice Mastroleo, Alison Smith, Payam Mehrshahi, Matthew Davey. R. rubrum and the Alganauts: Algae and bacteria cocultures for human nutrition on long space missions. 44th COSPAR Scientific Assembly https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022cosp...44.2876H/abstract

2021: Cecilia Rad-Menendez, Frederik De Boever, Lucie Novoveska, David Green, Matthew Davey, Christine Campbell. The Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP): pioneering new developments. Phycologia Conference. TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. 60:124.

Deposited polar species of Antarctic and UK terrestrial snow algae to UKRI NERC CCAP public repository:

Achoma sp. CCAP 2201/1 (Lagoon Island, Antarctic Peninsula)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-2201-1

Limnomonas sp. CCAP 6/3 (Rothera Point, Antarctic Peninsula)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-6-3

Micractinium sp. CCAP 248/21 (Rothera Point, Antarctic Peninsula)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-248-21

Cylindrocystis sp. CCAP 615/4 (Ben Macdui, Cairngorms, Scotland, UK)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-615-4

Cylindrocystis sp. CCAP 615/5 (Ben Macdui, Cairngorms, Scotland, UK)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-615-5

Keratococcus sp. CCAP 6070/1 (Grey Corries, Lochaber, Scotland, UK)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-6070-

Klebsormidium sp. CCAP 335/21 (Ben Macdui, Cairngorms, Scotland, UK)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-335-21

Mesotaenium sp. CCAP 648/2 (Ben Macdui, Cairngorms, Scotland, UK)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-648-2

Polar Diatoms:

Synedropsis cf. recta CCAP 1063/1 (Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-1063-1

Synedropsis cf. recta CCAP 1063/2 (Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula)

https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-1063-2

Lecturing at SAMS UHI

BSc (Hons) Marine Science: 

BSc (Hons) Marine Science: Year 4 Polar Seas (snow and ice algae)

BSc (Hons) Marine Science: Year 3 Marine Biotechnology (metabolomics and chemometrics)

BSc (Hons) Marine Science: Year 2 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (metabolomics)

BSc (Hons) Marine Science: Year 2 Marine Resources (Algal resources for biotechnology)

BSc (Hons) Marine Science: Year 1 Fundamentals of marine biology (Photosynthesis and Respiration)

ACES+ MSc Aquaculture

Year 4 and ACES+ research dissertation supervision

Past courses at SAMS UHI:

MSc Algal Biotechnology: Algal Biotechnology and Bioeconomy - Programme Leader

MSc Algal Biotechnology: Algal Scale up and Processing - Module Leader

MSc Algal Biotechnology: Dissertation - Module Leader

MSc Algal Biotechnology: Genomics and Metabolomics in Algal Biotechnology - Co-Module Leader

MSc Algal Biotechnology: Key Skills in Phycology – Lecturer

Lecturing on external programmes

2022-present: UKRI NERC CCAP International Algaculture online CPD courses. https://www.ccap.ac.uk/

2020-2025: Programme Leader: EU EIT Food INSPIRE Restorative/Sustainable Aquaculture Autumn School, partners at University of Cambridge and Polish Academy of Sciences https://learning.eitfood.eu/our-courses/inspire-restorative-aquaculture/

2018-2025: Programme Leader: EIT Food Algal biotechnology – techniques for the sustainable bioeconomy, partners at University of Cambridge, Matis Iceland, Fraunhofer Germany. https://learning.eitfood.eu/courses/algal-biotechnology/

2011-present: Bioinformatics Training (University of Cambridge) Course Leader: “Introduction to metabolomics”. https://www.training.cam.ac.uk/bioinformatics/course/bioinfo-metaintro

Past teaching on external programmes:

2011-2017: Lecturing (University of Cambridge):

Part IA (year 1) Physiology of Organisms

Part IB (year 2) Cell and Developmental Biology

Part II (year 3) Frontiers in Plant Metabolism, Research dissertation supervision

Supervisions (tutorials) for Natural Science Tripos students

2014/16: NERC Advanced Training: International Short Courses Environmental Field Techniques for Scaling Molecular Physiology to Leaf and Crop Canopy (Portugal).

Other teaching responsibilities

2020-present: Internal independent thesis committee advisor (SAMS-UHI) for PhD students

2020-present:  External PhD viva examiner (Simon Fraser University, Canada; University of Edinburgh; University of Strathclyde; University of Newcastle, University of Nottingham, University of Canterbury, University of Sheffield)

2020-present: Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) for SAMS-UHI students

2011-present: Centre for Research Informatics Training (University of Cambridge): Designed and developed new lectures/training course/workshop on “Introduction to metabolomics”.

2022: Key Stage 5 School STEM content development for snow algae biology and remote sensing. SAMS OEC STEM project.

2021-2024: Programme Leader MSc Algal Biotechnology and Bioeconomy SAMS-UHI.

2016-2017: Teaching Associate, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge

2011 - 2017: Interviewer for undergraduate admissions to the Natural Science Tripos. Corpus Christi College. University of Cambridge. https://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/  https://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk/

2012–2018:  British Ecological Society – Plant Environmental Physiology Special Interest Group. Key organiser (chair of group) for international and national field training courses (academic and industrial trainers, NERC approved) in Portugal and UK. Trained over 300 students.

Current research students 

Carla Ruiz Gonzalez. PhD Life at the limits: Algal physiology under extreme conditions. University of Edinburgh E4 NERC DTP (PI M Davey, Co-I C Cockell. 2022-2026 https://www.sams.ac.uk/people/research-students/ruiz-gonzalez-carla/ 

Funder: UKRI NERC

Caitlin de Vries. The environmental biophysics of microalgal migration in snow. Newcastle University One Planet. (PI Dr Ottavio Croze, Dr Melody Sandells) https://research.ncl.ac.uk/one-planet/ourresearchers/cohort6/caitlindevriesprofile.html

Funder: UKRI NERC

Alumni research students 

2025: Prof. Irmi Horst. Technische Hochschule Nürnberg, Germany for 6 month sabbatical period. Algal Biotechnology, growth and metabolomics.

 2025: Emilie Gober. MSc EU-CONEXUS internship La Rochelle University, France. Hosted MSc student external project at SAMS – Antarctic snow algae photophysiology and lipidomics. Research paper in-review.

2025: Hannah Lehmann. Hosted sponsored internship award for SAMS-UHI summer undergraduate placement – Algal metabolomics and FT-IR

2024: Perle Deaibes. SAMS-UHI MSc dissertation project in antimicrobial properties of algal extracts (Primary Supervisor)

2024: Kristin Wade. SAMS-UHI MSc dissertation project in algal pigment stability for sustainable printing (Primary Supervisor)

2024: Ewan MacPhearson. UKRI SUPER PhD DTP Research Experience Placement award for summer undergraduate placement – Antarctic snow algae photophysiology. Research paper in-review.

2024: Lara Dillon. Sponsored internship award for SAMS-UHI summer undergraduate placement – Antarctic snow algae photophysiology. Research paper in-review.

2024: Alexandre Détain. University of Bodø, Norway. PhD Research Placement Scheme. Placement PhD supervisor in Snow Algal Physiology. Snow algae: diverse adaptive strategies in a multi-stress environment.

2024: Tonia Principe. Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias, Gran Canaria (Spain). PhD Research Placement Scheme. Placement PhD supervisor in Algal Physiology and Flow Cytometry.

2023: Vaila Grigg. UKRI NERC SAMS research Intern placement.  Antarctic snow algae metabolomics. Research paper in-review.

2023: Cloe Dyson. UKRI NERC SUPER PhD DTP Research Experience Placement award for summer undergraduate placement – single cell genomics and microscopy of snow algae communities (completed)

2023-2024: Luna Ardondi. University of Ferrara. PhD Research Placement Scheme (Autumn/Winter 2023). Placement PhD supervisor in Algal Physiology. Light- and substrate-driven variations in microalgal metabolism for biotechnological applications https://flore.unifi.it/handle/2158/1422933

2022: Roberta Giaccari. University of Parma, Italy and BAS, UK. PhD Research Placement Scheme. Placement PhD supervisor in Algal Physiology. PUFA Biosynthesis in Fragilariopsis cylindrus: a key to understanding the cold-adapted metabolism of biologically active lipids https://www.repository.unipr.it/handle/1889/6327 https://2024.febscongress.org/abstract_preview.aspx?idAbstractEnc=4424170096095095098100424170

2021-2022: Yash Pardasani.  MRes Algal Biotechnology, Biology and Ecology: (Primary Supervisor): Survival potential of microalgae for long-term space missions https://pure.uhi.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/survival-potential-of-microalgae-for-long-term-space-missions/

2022: Leena D Mary Pushpam. MSc ACES+ dissertation project in polar diatom physiology (Primary Supervisor). Completed. Research paper in-review.

2017-2023: Ellen Harrison. PhD student Co-supervisor – Investigating the provision of vitamin B₁₂ in the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) loop for long-distance space exploration using algal-bacterial cocultures.. European Space Agency (ESA) – MELISSA programme. Prof. Alison Smith, Dr. Natalie Leys, Belgian Nuclear Research Center. Completed. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.99766

2017-2023: Sam Coffin. PhD student Co-supervisor – Polar algae – exploiting cold tolerant phenotypes in polar diatoms for increased growth and metabolite production.  Cambridge Earth System Science NERC DTP funded project with Prof. Alison Smith and Prof. Melody Clarke. Completed. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.81750

2013-2017: Carl Barker. PhD student Co-supervisor – Native Lime Tree Comparative Metabolomics. Led by Dr. Paul Hill, Edge Hill University. Completed. https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/ecological-genetic-and-metabolic-variation-in-populations-of-tili/  https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080509

2008-2014: Rachel George. PhD student Co-supervisor - Metabolomics of coastal plant communities. Leverhulme funded PhD studentship, led by Prof. Rob Freckleton, University of Sheffield. Completed. https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/10777/  https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040217

Committees

2025 – present: Antarctica InSync Antarctica International Science & Infrastructure for Synchronous Observation InSync – UK Biology working group committee co-chair https://www.antarctica-insync.org/

2024 – present: Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research SCAR C-CAGE (Changes in Circumpolar Antarctic Gradients in Ecosystems) contribution to C-Cage working group https://scar.org/science/research-programmes/c-cage

2025 – present: Metabolomics Society EcoMet International Taskforce https://metabolomicssociety.org/board-committees/scientific-task-groups/

2025 – present: SpaceScotland – Life Sciences Strategic Group https://spacescotland.org/

2025 – present: EU EIT Food Biotechnology Alliance 2026 Strategic Group https://www.eitfood.eu/news/eit-foods-next-bite-paves-the-way-for-a-european-food-future-in-biotech

2020-present: UKRI NERC CCAP facility science advisory board. https://www.ccap.ac.uk/

2017 – 2021:   NERC NBAF/NEOF steering committee member (Metabolomics, Genomics)

2016 – 2017:   Department of Plant Sciences Teaching Committee

2014 - 2020:    University of Cambridge, Impact and Enterprise Champion

2014 – 2017:   Local Authority Primary School Governor / Chair of Grants Committee

2012 - 2016:    University of Cambridge, Departmental Energy Champion – Carbon Reduction Board

2011 - 2017:    University of Cambridge, Interviewer for undergraduate admissions, Corpus Christi College

2010 - 2012:    University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences Research Associate Staff Representative

2007 - 2016:    Plant Environmental Physiology Group (British Ecological Society) - Chair

2004 - 2009:    British Ecological Society (BES) – Meetings Committee and Overseas grants panel

Expert advice to regulators / government

2021-2024: European Space Agency Lunar Bioscience/Biomission Topical Team Leader for Algal Biology

2020-2021: UK Space LABS advisory paper on Why Space? The opportunity for Health and Life Science Innovation

2020-2021: COP-26 Earth Observation briefing document

2020: European Algal Biomass Association and EU Commission Position Paper “What are Algae?” https://www.what-are-algae.com/

2020-present: UK (BIS) and EU standards organisation (CEN) membership of BSI technical committee EH/3/-/5 “Algae and Algae Products”. UK (BIS) and EU standards organisation (CEN), in collaboration with BIS, EABA, industry and academia wanted to “provide clear and standardised terms and definitions for algae and algae products, thus removing any ambiguity or misunderstanding in the sector. The standard not only contributes to improving communication within the sector, but also reach further, as standardized terms and definitions can also form the basis for legislation.” The release is here: https://www.cencenelec.eu/News/Brief_News/Pages/TN-2020-023.aspx https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030393245

2018: UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), BBSRC PHYCONET, University of Cambridge. Importing algae from outside the EU – clarifying UK legal requirements for the algal biotechnology industry

Outreach & public engagement

2025: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. Science Festival. New stand for polar and space algae.

2025: Genesis Project, a local community climate initiative exploring how climate change affects Scotland’s coastal communities. Antarctic snow algae - physiology and diversity

2025: EOS magazine article: Newly Discovered Algae May Speed Melting of Antarctic Ice https://eos.org/articles/newly-discovered-algae-may-speed-melting-of-antarctic-ice

2025: ScotCryo – Scottish Snow Algae Information leaflet distribution. https://hief.scot/grants/scotlands-red-snows/

2023:   Antarctica – outreach phone calls live from Antarctica and follow up sessions with UK Primary Schools. Local primary school visit to SAMS on polar biology

2023:   Business Insider article: https://www.businessinsider.com/glacier-algae-could-be-trouble-photos-show-2023-1

2022: Key Stage 5 School STEM content development for snow algae biology and remote sensing. SAMS OEC STEM project.

2022: Key Stage 5 School STEM content development for snow algae biology and remote sensing. SAMS OEC STEM project.

2020:     Vast amount of international coverage on Antarctic snow algae mapping: https://www-altmetric-com.ezp.lib.cam.ac.uk/details/82380850/news   https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/antarctica-turning-green

https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/science-and-technology/2020/07/algae-is-turning-coastal-antarctica-red-and-green-and-it-could-have

2018:   Financial Times https://www.ft.com/video/5f7fa3dc-6a57-4590-89b6-00ee5d713241

https://www.ft.com/content/5149363c-326d-11e8-ac48-10c6fdc22f03

2018:   Cambridge University Botanic Garden – Science on Sundays - snow algae and biotechnology

2018:    Royal Society - Primary School Partnership Outreach Grant – Antarctic and UK Biodiversity

2017:   Cambridge Independent Newspaper: http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/business/science/cambridge-researcher-dr-matt-davey-on-how-algae-could-be-used-for-energy-healthcare-and-monitoring-penguins-from-space-1-5092478

2017:   BBC Natural History Unit – snow algae and Lithops biology

2015:    British Antarctic Survey – school visits - talked about my research trip to Antarctica, plus live school talks whilst working in Antarctica, published in local and national media

Professional memberships

Royal Society of Biology (Member) https://www.rsb.org.uk/

British Ecological Society 1999-present

British Phycological Society 2019-present

2007 - 2016:    Plant Environmental Physiology Group (British Ecological Society) – Chair

2004 - 2009:    British Ecological Society (BES) – Meetings Committee and Overseas grants panel

Other professional responsibilities 

2015 - 2019:      Associate editor of European Journal of Phycology

2012 - 2018:      Associate editor of Methods in Ecology and Evolution

2011 - 2016:      Associate editor of Conservation Physiology

2010 - 2018:      Research Associate of Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge

1999 - present: British Ecological Society (BES)

Relevant research expeditions

Antarctica:

2022/23: Antarctica research expedition - NERC Research Grant. Snow algae. This was the first large terrestrial/coastal biology expedition to be supported by the new UKRI BAS RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) ship. Leading an expedition of 5 people (2 PDRA, 1 PhD, 1 field guide) and working in collaboration with BAS, UK and the Chilean Antarctic Division INACH. The expedition was partly on-board the new SDA ship leaving the Falkland Island in December and after resupplies and training in Antarctica it inputted us on the remote Robert Island, Antarctic Peninsula for 2 months, supported by an INACH hut and 2 INACH field staff. This was the first large terrestrial science expedition supported by the SDA. The science consisted of microbial, plant sampling on land and ice, using a number of field techniques including the latest drone technology and gas exchange measurement equipment.

2019/20: Antarctica research expedition. NERC BAS Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme. University of Cambridge, British Antarctic Survey, UK Royal Navy HMS Protector. Survey route along Antarctic Peninsula (all planned but cancelled last minute due to C19 restrictions).

2017/18: Antarctica research expedition. King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula. Organised/led field work but did not attend. University of Cambridge, British Antarctic Survey, INACH Chilean Antarctic Institute.

2016/17: Antarctica research expedition. Rothera Research Station. Leverhulme Research Grant. University of Cambridge, British Antarctic Survey. Snow algae – are they the most abundant photosynthetic organisms in terrestrial Antarctica?

2014/15: Antarctica research expedition. Rothera Research Station. University of Cambridge, British Antarctic Survey. Collaborative Gearing Scheme. Metabolic characteristics of terrestrial algae and plants in Antarctica.

2018: Portugal A4F. Algal biotechnology DEMA EU research grant.

2018 – 2025: Iceland – Matis algal biotechnology training delivery, regular visits. EU EIT Food.

2010-2018: International Short Courses Environmental Field Techniques for Scaling Molecular Physiology to Leaf and Crop Canopy (Portugal). NERC Advanced Training/BES/SEB/Industry funding

1997: Tanzania East Usambara. Doggart N, Joseph L, Bayliss J, Fanning E. 1999 Manga Forest Reserve: A biodiversity survey. East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme, Tanzania. ISBN: 9987-646-04-2

Awards

Shortlisted for the University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor’s Impact Awards and Public Engagement with Research

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

TWO Blue Peter badges (1980s)

Employment history

2024 – present: Associate Professor of Physiological Ecology, SAMS, UK

May 2020-2023: Senior Lecturer. SAMS, UK

2013-2020: Senior Research Associate. University of Cambridge, UK: Co-Investigator and Coordinator of main Leverhulme Trust funded project titled “Snow algae – are they the most abundant photosynthetic organisms in terrestrial Antarctica? Ecology and remote sensing of snow algae”. Designed three Antarctic expeditions. Wide range of ecological, biochemical and innovative research and training projects from EU (EnAlgae, DEMA, EIT-Food) and UKRI (BBSRC and NERC BIVs/GCRF/BAS) funding.   Metabolomics and Algal Innovation Centre core facility manager

2016-2017: Teaching Associate: Co-ordinated supervisions for Plant and Microbial Sciences (PMS) students; Practical organiser for 1B PMS RuBisCO phenotyping course and NIAB field trips. Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK

2009-2012: Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Algal research into bioenergy. University of Cambridge, UK: 

2005-2009: Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Environmental metabolomics – phenotyped individual populations of Arctic-Alpine plants grown in controlled and field environments. University of Sheffield, UK

2003-2004: Assistant Scientific Officer - Investigated metabolic variation in two natural systems; N deposition and uptake in upland grasslands and the elemental controls of leaf decomposition. Elemental and stable isotope analysis of field samples for C and N sequestration studies. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bangor, UK

1998 – 1999: Research assistant - Herbicide efficacy testing for industrial clients - established field trials; data analysis

 Crop maintenance in temperate and tropical glasshouse facilities University of Wales, Bangor, UK

Education qualifications

2004 PhD in Plant Ecophysiology and Biochemistry (NERC-CEH CASE studentship) 'The effect of an elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration on secondary metabolism and resource allocation in Plantago maritima and Armeria maritima, Durham University

1997 Distinction - Comparative Zoology and Conservation Biology (ERASMUS studentship) - University of Umeå, Sweden, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science

1995-1998 BSc. (Hons) Biology - University of Wales, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor, UK (Hons. Effect of Nitrogen Oxides on Deschampsia flexuosa physiology)

Other qualifications

Personal Sea Survival Techniques (STCW - International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 2010)

Advanced Field First Aid Training and Refresher Courses – British Antarctic Survey

Certificate in Outdoor Education (Lowestoft College)

Basic Expedition Leaders Certificate (Lowestoft College)

Community Sports Leader Award (Central Council of Physical Recreation)

Recreation and Leisure Industries (Distinction, City and Guilds of London Institute)

I have over 25 years’ experience working on algal and plant physiology research and education projects and have extensive knowledge of the international algal biotechnology sector. I work closely with industry, from micro-SMEs to multinational companies, and government in the algal biotechnology, bioenergy, bioremediation, nutraceutical, metabolomics, education and ecology sector. I have worked on numerous consultancy projects and contributed to expert advice in this sector. For a period was co-Director and founder of a company Phytofutures Ltd that owned the trademark “Seashoes”, flip-flops made from seaweed.

I have extensive experience in project management and polar science expedition planning. I also lead the EU EIT-Food international algae biotechnology training courses across Europe.

I was an Enterprise and Impact Champion at the University of Cambridge for 6 years.