Anders Carlsson
Presentation
I am a professor at the Department of Plant Breeding, SLU Alnarp, where I have been active since 2000 and a professor since 2013. My research focuses on the biological functions of plant lipids and their significance for stress responses, energy storage, and agronomically important traits. The work has evolved from biochemical and molecular studies of membrane lipid function to the genetic regulation of oil accumulation and carbon allocation, and further to systems biology perspectives linking genetics, genomics, phenotype, and environment to breeding objectives.
More recently, my research has encompassed genomic plant breeding of cereals and oil crops, as well as biotechnological approaches for weed control. By combining fundamental biochemistry, molecular genetics, and biotechnology with applied plant breeding, genomics, and field-based research, I aim to develop sustainable crops for future agriculture and the bioeconomy, including plant-based alternatives to fossil resources and crops adapted to climate stress and resource-limited environments.
In parallel, I have a strong commitment to teaching, supervision, academic leadership, and international collaboration.
Research
My research can be summarized into four overarching and partly overlapping themes. First, I have studied plant stress and membrane lipids, with a focus on how ozone and other environmental stresses affect membrane lipid composition, stability, and stress sensitivity.
Second, I have conducted research on lipid metabolism and storage lipids, contributing to an improved understanding of the enzymatic and regulatory mechanisms controlling triacylglycerol synthesis, acyl fluxes, and the function of key enzymes and transcription factors, such as PDAT homologues, LPCAT, LPEAT, and WRI1.
Third, I have played a leading role in the biotechnological modification of crops and in the development of so-called platform crops for the production of specialty oils and other bio-industrial products.
Finally, in recent years I have focused on carbon allocation, genomics, and plant breeding, including studies of genetic diversity, G×E interactions, GWAS, genomic selection, and novel biotechnological tools in crops such as sorghum, oat, turnip rape, quinoa, sesame, avocado, and wheat, with a clear connection to climate adaptation and resilience.
Teaching
I have extensive and broad teaching experience at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. My teaching covers plant biotechnology, plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology, plant biochemistry, and GMO-related issues. I strive to ensure that my teaching is closely linked to research and that theoretical components are integrated with laboratory-based activities.
I also have a strong interest in expanding the breadth of educational offerings at SLU and have therefore actively contributed to the development of interdisciplinary and societally oriented courses with a focus on climate change, food security, and sustainable development.
Academic leadership
Alongside my research and teaching, I have more than 15 years of experience in academic leadership at the Department of Plant Breeding, including twelve years as Head of Department (2013–2025). During this time, I was responsible for over 80 staff members and doctoral students, increased the department’s personnel from 48 to 81 full-time positions, more than doubled scientific output to over 110 publications per year, and supported successful doctoral defenses and academic promotions. My leadership has been characterized by strategic development, recruitment, mentorship, and the creation of an inclusive and internationally competitive research environment.