Tribute to Professor Steve Long

Steve Long was the founding member of the Plant Productivity Research Group at the University of Essex with his appointment in 1975. Together with Professor Neil Baker, who joined Essex a year later, he formed a group which went on to gain an international reputation for excellence in photosynthesis research, focusing on approaches to measuring photosynthesis on intact living plants, which has now become a cornerstone of research programmes around the world.

Steve's dedication and enthusiasm for plant ecophysiology and photosynthesis had global influence, and were instrumental in addressing some of the most pressing current challenges in plant and crop science. His research, insights, and discoveries have helped shape our understanding of fundamental plant biology and the long-term impacts of climate change on plant productivity, with wide-ranging impacts from food security to sustainable production of fuels. This research has translated into developing global solutions for increased crop production to support the growing population. Steve spent a quarter of a century at Essex and during this time he identified the most productive land plant (the amazonian C4 grass Echinochloa polystachya), and he conducted the first English field trials of another highly-productive grass called Miscanthus, which is now used as an important bioenergy crop across the UK. While at Essex, Steve also started his work on mathematical models to enable predictions of the photosynthetic responses of plants to environmental variables, a task he would later describe as "harder than rocket science" in his 2023 TED talk on hacking photosynthesis to help feed the world and reduce climate change. He also pioneered work on the impact of rising CO2 levels on photosynthetic performance at Essex, working on field sites around the world. Steve commented ‘that his time at Essex gave him both the freedom and support to pursue his own research interests and appoint colleagues that allowed the development of a photosynthesis research team that positioned Essex to become the international leader it is today’.

Steve most recently held the Stanley O. Ikenberry Chair of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. Over the 25 years that Steve has been in the US he has led on the establishment of three major research programmes. Among these, was the Bill and Melinda Gates funded RIPE project to produce higher yielding crops to provide food for the poorest nations with funding of over $100 million. This notable project offered Steve an opportunity to reconnect with the University of Essex, as we are collaborators in this project. Steve’s achievements and continual link with Essex were recently recognized with the award of an honour degree at Essex in 2023. Steve's work and legacy live on in his many international friends and collaborators, and will continue to influence research at the University of Essex for years to come. Steve had incredible vision, energy and drive, and above all a strong committement to drive his research community forward. Over and above his excellence in research he has also established three international plant science journals: Global Change Biology; Global Change Biology – Bioenergy and in 2018 in silico Plants. Steve remained the Chief Editor of all three journals until his death.

Steve was one of the most highly cited scientists in the world, having been recognised as a highly-cited researcher in the field of plant and animal science every year since 2005. He is considered a visionary and ‘One of the world’s most influential scientific minds’. His long list of accolades, awards, and achievements is numerous and well known, having briefed the Vatican, US Presidents, and even the Princess Royal. Steve’s election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2013 recognised the impact of the work he conducted at the University of Essex on the chilling tolerance of crop photosynthesis. The British Ecological Society awarded Steve the Marsh Award for Climate Change Research, and in 2019, Steve was elected to the National Academy of Sciences USA, in recognition of his ‘distinguished and continuing achievements in original research’. Just a few short months ago, Steve was recognised as a Top Agri-food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation.

Steve was a committed and excellent teacher enthusing undergraduates, graduates and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career. Testament to the excellence of Steve’s support for his 40 plus PhD students and over 20 postdoctoral researchers is the successful future careers that many have achieved. Steve’s scientific legacy will continue in those who have been lucky enough to call him a mentor over the years. His collegiality and support of those that work with him are the cornerstones of Steve’s approach to research - not forgetting his great sense of humour that has caught many off-guard.

The loss of such a visionary scientist is devastating for all who knew him, but some comfort can be taken in knowing that Steve's legacy will live on through the research communities he established and through the future generations of plant scientists who have benefited directly or indirectly from Steve’s support and mentorship. Steve passed away on 9 September 2025 with his family at his side.