Professor Peter Grubb

Professor Peter Grub is an Emeritus Fellow at Magdalene.

Professor Peter John Grubb is a British ecologist and Emeritus Professor of Botany at the University of Cambridge. He spent much of his academic career at Magdalene College, where he was a longstanding member of the Fellowship before retiring in 2001.

Professor Grubb’s early academic development was shaped by the guidance of E. J. H. Corner and, in particular, A. S. Watt, whose influence he credited in later reflections on his path to becoming a plant ecologist. His research spanned a wide range of botanical and ecological subjects, from plant physiology to global biomes, and from chalk grassland to tropical rainforest ecosystems.

He is especially known for developing the concept of the regeneration niche, which has had a lasting impact on plant ecology. His editorial and leadership contributions include serving as co-editor of the Journal of Ecology from 1972 to 1977 and as President of the British Ecological Society in 1992. He is now an Honorary Member of the Society.