Peter C. McKeown

Peter McKeown is a Lecturer in Plant & AgriBiosciences at the University of Galway and coordinator of the Master’s Program in Climate Change, Agriculture & Food Security. His research focuses on plant science, particularly the genetics and epigenetics of plant reproduction, legume production, and seed development, with wider interests in agricultural biodiversity, plant genetic resources, and how climate change affects crops.

Peter studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, followed by an MSc in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at the John Innes Centre, UK, and a PhD in plant cell biology. He has coordinated Erasmus+ programs on teaching innovation, represented Ireland in international research networks such as the COST Action Harnessing Plant Reproduction for Agricultural Improvement, and contributed to EU-funded projects including EcoFoodSystems and Legumes4Development. He is also a member of the COST network EPICROPS and has previously contributed to the CGIAR low-emissions agriculture program MITIGATE+.

Peter has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and co-edited three books, including the Routledge Handbook of Agricultural Biodiversity. His work combines fundamental plant science with applied research to support sustainable agriculture and food security in the context of climate change.