About
We are a premier research institute embedded at Michigan State University and funded by the US Department of Energy and other funding bodies. Our mission is to discover how photosynthetic organisms work on the molecular level, in order, ultimately, to develop technologies that improve human lives.
What We Stand For
Many solutions for 21st century problems will come from photosynthetic organisms. We need to understand how their components work together and how they thrive in natural environments, so that we can harness them for sustainable applications.
What We Do
We focus on basic science of photosynthetic organisms, develop real-world applications, and provide a training ground for future scientists.

Fundamental Research
Basic research into the biology of plants, cyanobacteria, and algae. Projects include:
- Modeling photosynthesis in dynamic environments
- Resistance against pathogens, herbivores, and environmental stress
- Cell organization and metabolism
Green Solutions
Innovative, ground-breaking applied research to address energy and food challenges:
- New technologies, used in over 26 countries, to diagnose plant health and performance
- Engineering bacteria for industrial and medical applications
- Green economy: biofuels and renewables through algae and microbial communities


Future Scientists
We pride ourselves in providing graduate students and post-docs with:
- Quality research and educational environment
- Strategic institutional goals that allow trainees to pursue well-defined research projects
- Freedom to pursue individual research interests
- Legacy of prominent and award-winning alumni in academia and beyond
Brief History
Selected Milestones & Achievements
A sample of achievements by current and former PRL members. The list items below change each time the browser is reloaded.
- Eighteen National Academy of Sciences members, including three current or emeritus faculty
- Five Highly Cited Researchers over the last five years, according to Thompson Reuters/Clarivate
- Discovered COI1 as the receptor for jasmonate, a plant defense hormone
- Discovered a cytosolic bypass and G6P shunt for the Calvin-Benson Cycle in plants
- Discovery of the mechanism for the biosynthesis of ABA, a plant stress hormone
- Discovered that the 32kd photosynthetic protein is the receptor for a common herbicide

Selected Funders
Our core interdisciplinary research is funded by the US Department of Energy. Our labs also pursue independent research projects funded by other organizations.