Friday, 31 July 2026
A plant scientist has been awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Society for a research program at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ exploring the biological nitrogen fixing process in legumes that could pave the way for more sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr Manuel Frank has been awarded £1.9m for his research into biological nitrogen fixation in plants, with the aim of reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers used in agriculture.
The University Research Fellowships are awarded to scientists in the early stages of their research career who have the potential of becoming leaders in their fields. The programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research. Researchers are provided with the freedom and flexibility to pursue curiosity-drive research, form international collaborations and establish new research groups.
Nitrogen is crucial for plants as it is a key component of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and chlorophyll, the molecule that enables plants to convert sunlight into sugars using water and carbon dioxide.
Plants typically absorb nitrogen from the soil through their roots. In agriculture, nitrogen is often supplied through synthetic nitrogen fertilizers (SNF) containing nitrate to increase crop yields. However, SNF has significant environmental drawbacks, leading to the emission of around 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year globally and causing groundwater pollution due to nitrate leaching.
A more sustainable alternative is biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), which provides 60% of the Earth’s fixed nitrogen. During this process, legumes obtain nitrogen by housing nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules. The presence of external nitrogen, especially soil nitrate, suppresses nodulation, making BNF less effective in typical UK soils.
Dr Frank will move from Aarhus University in Denmark to take up the Fellowship at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. His research will explore the very early stages of nodulation, focussing on how plants prepare to engage with soil bacteria and how external nitrate disrupts this preparation, leading to suppressed nodulation, with the aim of enabling broader use of Biological Nitrogen Fixation to reduce environmental pollution from agricultural practices.
I am honoured to receive this prestigious fellowship. I am grateful for the support of my students, mentors, and colleagues, who made this achievement possible.I am excited to start this new chapter of my scientific adventure at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine. The Society’s fundamental purpose, as it has been since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.
“I am delighted to welcome this latest cohort of University Research Fellows. These high 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.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Manuel Frank on mfrank@mbg.au.dk
Notes to editors:
About the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what’s next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ invests in the city of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and in future generations of talent. Alongside ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we’re creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.