Plant Science Leaders - Ivana Gudelj, University of Exeter

Dr. Ivana Gudelj is a Professor of Evolutionary Systems Biology at the University of Exeter, where she leads groundbreaking research in mathematical modeling to address challenges in plant health and disease management. As a passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, she works alongside plant scientists, mathematicians, and data specialists to develop innovative solutions that improve agricultural sustainability.

With a dedication to fostering diversity in STEM and inspiring future scientists, Dr. Gudelj is not only advancing scientific knowledge but also encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in mathematical biology.

Recently, Conviron sat down with Dr. Gudelj to learn more about her career journey, her current work at the University of Exeter, and her commitment to mentoring and community outreach.

What sparked your interest in plant science?

My journey really began with a passion for applied mathematics. I studied mathematics at the University of Oxford for my undergraduate degree and then went on to complete my Ph.D. at the University of Bath. During my doctoral studies, I became fascinated by the idea of using mathematical models to address real-world problems - particularly in biology.

It struck me how powerful math could be in understanding complex systems. My first postdoc position was actually at an agricultural institute back in 2001. That was where I started working specifically on plant diseases, and since then, I’ve been deeply involved in that area.

Tell us about your research at the University of Exeter

I’m a professor of evolutionary systems biology and I lead research in mathematical modeling to address challenges in plant health and disease management. One of the most exciting areas for me is developing a new research facility. It’s called the Global Meteorological Simulator (GMS) and the idea for it actually dates back to 2020. It was rooted in my long-standing interest in infectious disease modeling. Traditionally, epidemiological models -whether for human or plant diseases - haven’t really accounted for physical transmission dynamics, like how droplets containing pathogens travel through the environment. COVID-19 brought this issue to the forefront for human diseases, but I realized that the same principles could apply to plant pathogens.

I wanted to develop mathematical models that combined classical epidemiological approaches with the biophysical components of transmission - like how water droplets carrying pathogens move through the air or land on plant leaves. So, I started collaborating with physicists and colleagues from institutions like Cornell and Virginia Tech who explore how droplets interact with diseased leaves and carry spores through the air.

The problem was, we had no way to actually test these models. Plant growth chambers didn’t replicate real-world disease transmission, and field trials lacked control. I realized we needed a facility that could simulate realistic yet controlled weather conditions, where disease transmission could happen naturally. The idea was ambitious, but I knew it was worth pursuing.

How did you secure funding for such a groundbreaking project?

In 2021, I came across a funding opportunity through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They were looking for mid-range equipment projects that could benefit a wide scientific community. The GMS fit the vision perfectly, but we had to come up with a proposal.

One of the biggest challenges was finding someone willing to develop the actual equipment. I reached out to several companies, but many felt that the project was too risky or technologically complex. Ultimately, I found Conviron that had the engineering resources to take on the challenge and was excited by my proposal. Without Conviron’s commitment, the project wouldn’t have been possible. In the end, our proposal successfully received funding both from BBSRC and the University of Exeter.

What makes your research using the GMS so impactful?

Our facility’s uniqueness lies in the combination of features. You can find growth chambers that control temperature or humidity, but adding wind and rain simulation in a fully integrated way? That’s something that hasn’t been done before - at least not in the public domain or academic settings.

We also have the ability to test past, current, and future climatic scenarios, which is crucial when you consider how climate change affects plant health. It’s not just about modeling disease progression, but also predicting how plants and pathogens will respond to shifting environmental conditions. Our new facility fills a niche that no other center currently does.

Why is infectious disease research in agriculture so important?

The statistics are rather daunting. To keep up with global food demands, we’ll need to double production by 2050. At the same time, climate change is making disease outbreaks more unpredictable and severe. We need to be proactive rather than reactive.

By understanding how pathogens spread under different climate conditions, we can develop better strategies to protect crops. Whether it’s breeding more resilient plants or predicting outbreaks before they happen, the GMS allows us to test these ideas in controlled but realistic settings. It’s about giving farmers and scientists the tools to stay one step ahead of emerging threats.

You’ve also been passionate about promoting diversity in STEM. Can you tell us more about that?

As a woman in mathematical biology, I’ve experienced firsthand how important representation is. Encouraging diversity isn’t just about fairness - it enriches scientific discovery. When you bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, it sparks creativity and new ideas.

I’m especially passionate about encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers. One project I’m particularly proud of involved creating a mural at the GMS facility, inspired by local school students.

The mural symbolizes how math and science work together to tackle global challenges, and it’s meant to make science feel more approachable and inspiring. We worked with a girls’ school to design it because I wanted to show them that they belong in this field - that their perspectives and talents matter.

The idea for the mural actually started as a way to make the GMS feel more personalized and welcoming. The facility is so innovative from an engineering perspective, but I thought it would benefit from a creative and human touch. We collaborated with local artist Chole Farrant and students from Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, discussing the scientific concepts behind the GMS and how they could be visually represented.

The result was this vibrant mural that incorporates symbols of climate, plant health, and mathematics. It's a statement about the power of interdisciplinary science and the importance of community involvement, and it’s a reminder that creativity and science go hand in hand.

How do you envision the GMS being used by others?

While it’s primarily focused on plant health and disease modeling, the GMS can be adapted for a wide range of studies. We’re already collaborating with the Phenom UK network, positioning ourselves as a center of excellence in weather simulation and plant pathology. Phenom UK is also part of the European-wide research infrastructure called EMPHASIS, which connects us to plant scientists across the continent.

Beyond academia, there’s potential for industry partnerships as well. Companies interested in testing biosensors or other climate-sensitive technologies could benefit greatly. We’re still in the process of developing the booking system and prioritization process, but the goal is to make the GMS accessible to both scientific and commercial users.

What advice would you give to the next generation of plant scientists?

I think mentorship is so important, especially for young women who might feel unsure about their place in science. I always tell them that they absolutely belong here and that their perspectives are valuable. One of the most rewarding parts of this project was seeing how the mural at the GMS inspired students from Torquay Girls’ Grammar School. It’s a reminder that science can be creative and welcoming, and I hope it encourages more young people to pursue STEM careers.

Learn more about Dr. Ivana Gudelj’s research.

Learn more about the Global Meteorological Simulator