Understanding amazing lichens

Dr Peter Crittenden has received major new funding for pioneering research aimed at unravelling the mysterious biochemical ecology of lichens. Peter will receive £343,369 from NERC for a project entitled “Ecological significance of surface bound enzyme activities in lichens”.  The project will investigate the capacity of lichens to utilize a range of organic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, including phytic acid and urea, in contrasting habitats.