ENSA is delighted to celebrate Simona Radutoiu, ENSA Scientific Director and Professor of Plant Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University, on receiving the International Society of Root Research (ISRR) Dundee Root Medal 2025 – a prestigious annual award recognising outstanding contributions to root research.
The Dundee Root Medal, established from the legacy of the 2012 ISRR Conference held in Dundee, honours scientists whose work has significantly advanced the field. This year’s award acknowledges Simona’s pioneering research into the molecular mechanisms that shape plant–microbe interactions, including root control of plant nutrition and resilience.
“I’m honoured to receive the Dundee Root Medal. This award recognises not just the key role that plant-microbe research has for fundamental breakthroughs and impact, but also the contributions of the many colleagues and students I’ve had the privilege to work with,” Simona said. “Understanding how plants engage with their microbial partners is essential for designing more equitable and sustainable crops. I’m proud that our research is helping to build that foundation.”
A celebration of science and collaboration
The award was presented during the Dundee Root Medal Lecture event on 25 November 2025, where Simona delivered the keynote lecture, “Architecting Life from Below: Root control of plant nutrition and resilience through microbial partnerships.” Uta Paszkowski, ENSA Administrative Director and Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge also presented her research, alongside contributions from other leading scientists in the field.
The event gathered a global online audience, with talks exploring themes ranging from microbiome-mediated stress resilience to the plant immune system and nutrient signalling. The programme also featured a dynamic flash-talk session, inviting early-career researchers to share their research.
Simona closed her remarks by emphasising the importance of cross-institutional research networks:
“Programmes like ENSA show what we can achieve when we blend fundamental discovery with visionary and globally-reaching goals. I hope this award inspires the next generation of scientists to continue advancing plant-microbe research with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.”
ENSA warmly congratulates Professor Simona Radutoiu on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the thriving research community showcased during this year’s Dundee Root Medal event.
Photo: Emma Steer
Text: Emma Steer