New avenues in photosynthesis: from light harvesting to global modeling

Abstract

Photosynthesis underpins life on Earth, serving as the primary energy source while regulating global carbon and water cycles, thereby shaping climate and vegetation. Advancing photosynthesis research is essential for improving crop productivity and refining photosynthesis models across scales, ultimately addressing critical global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability. This minireview synthesizes a selection of recent advancements presented at the 2nd European Congress of Photosynthesis Research, focusing on improving photosynthesis efficiency and modelling across the scales. We explore strategies to optimize light harvesting and carbon fixation, leading to canopy level improvements. Alongside synthetic biology, we examine recent advances in harnessing natural variability in key photosynthetic traits, considering both methodological innovations and the vast reservoir of opportunities they present. Additionally, we highlight unique insights gained from plants adapted to extreme environments, offering pathways to improve photosynthetic efficiency and resilience simultaneously. We emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, integrating dynamic modeling of metabolic processes to bridge these advancements. Beyond photosynthesis improvements, we discuss the progress of improving photosynthesis simulations, particularly through improved parametrization of mesophyll conductance, crucial for enhancing leaf-to-global scale simulations. Recognizing the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the grand challenges put on photosynthesis research, we highlight two initiatives launched at the congress—an open science platform and a dedicated journal for plant ecophysiology. We conclude this minireview with a forward-looking outline, highlighting key next steps toward achieving meaningful improvements in photosynthesis, yield, resilience and modeling.