University of Western Ontario, International Biotron, Canada
Professor Norman P. Huner University of Western Ontario, Canada, International Biotron. Dr. Huner is an expert in environmental stress responses of the photosynthetic apparatus. He has developed the concept of “Photostasis” in which the main idea is that photosynthetic apparatus is a environmental sensor which is able to detect and respond to environmental perturbations, because perturbations alter the homeostasis or energy balance (light capture vs absorbed energy utilization). Thus Dr. Huner will contribute in the study of photosynthetic responses of Antarctic plants to elevated CO2 and temperature he will conduct experiments simulating Antarctic warming and elevated CO2 in a unique, state of the art international facility at the University of Western Ontario (The International Biotron). The Biotron counts with all required equipment and imaging systems that allows real time monitoring of experiments from abroad. We have had previous collaboration and Dr. Huner working on photosynthetic features of Antarctic plants which resulted in a couple of joint publications (see researcher’s curricula). Our proposal considers resources for travel expenses and stay for Dr. Huner in Concepción, Pta Arenas and Antarctica. One visit during development of the project. He will also receive students from our group to conduct experiments in the Biotron.