Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor Federica Brandizzi has been named the next director of the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL.
Brandizzi is a prolific researcher within the plant science community. Her lab has contributed many important pieces to the canon of plant research in organelle biology, biofuel research and space biology.
“Becoming the next director of the PRL is a tremendous honor and a deeply meaningful opportunity,” Brandizzi said. “The PRL has a storied legacy of groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary and collaboration in plant science and I am humbled to carry that forward. As someone who has grown as a scientist in the PRL and always admired its legacy, impact and spirit of innovation, I am excited to help shape its next chapter.”
The PRL is a premier research institute, embedded within MSU and funded largely by the Department of Energy, or DOE. The researchers study photosynthetic organisms — like plants, algae and cyanobacteria — to discover how they work on the molecular level. This understanding of photosynthesis allows scientists to create plants that are more efficient, heartier under stressful environmental conditions and more nutritious.
“Federica’s enthusiasm, creativity and research excellence make her the perfect person to fill Christoph’s shoes,” said Eric Hegg, dean of the College of Natural Science. “I’m confident that the PRL will continue to excel and reach even greater heights under her leadership.”
Brandizzi joined MSU in 2006 as a faculty member in the Department of Plant Biology and the PRL. She was appointed an MSU Research Foundation Professor in 2015 and was also named a MSU Distinguished Professor. In addition to running her lab, she is the Science Director for the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center.
“I am most excited about working with a brilliant and collaborative community to further strengthen the PRL’s research mission, foster new ideas and support the next generation of plant scientists,” Brandizzi said. “I am especially looking forward to building connections across disciplines and leveraging our collective strengths to tackle big questions in the biology of photosynthetic organisms. One of the biggest opportunities will be maintaining our momentum and cohesion through leadership transitions and evolving research priorities. But I believe our strong community and shared vision will carry us through.”
While at MSU, her lab has brought to light the internal structures and processes of plants by using cutting-edge confocal microscopy techniques. This gives scientists the tools to engineer plants that survive in harsh environments and are more nutritious. It also has applications in biofuel research.
In 2022, Brandizzi sent seeds into space with the Artemis I mission to study how plants might grow away from their home planet. For astronauts of the future, growing plants aboard space vessels or on other planets is tantamount to survival, but it won’t work without knowledge of how plants cope with an environment away from Earth. Brandizzi received the NASA Silver Group Achievement Award for this work.
“I am delighted to hand over the PRL directorship to Federica Brandizzi,” said Christoph Benning, outgoing director of the PRL. “She will bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm. I am confident that she will lead the PRL with a steady hand during a challenging time. Federica has my full support during the transition.”
Brandizzi’s tenure as director begins August 2025.
“I am incredibly grateful to MSU for their support to the plant science, to Christoph for his leadership and mentorship and to the entire PRL community for their trust and support,” Brandizzi said. “I look forward to listening, learning and leading together.”
This story originally appeared on the College of Natural Science website.
