Russell L. Jones, a pioneering botanist whose research reshaped scientific understanding of hormonal and cellular signaling in plants, passed away on July 1, 2025. He was 84.
Jones was born on May 10, 1941, in Dyserth, North Wales, and grew up immersed in agriculture as all the relatives on his mother's side of the family were farmers. He spent a great deal of time on his grandfather's farm and recalled how, every fall, a local malting company tested their barley crop for excessive levels of alpha-Amylase. He credited that testing with fueling his fascination with plants and ultimately inspired his decision to pursue a PhD in plant physiology from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
As a graduate student, Jones studied the synthesis of gibberellins (GA)—a type of plant hormone that regulates various growth and developmental processes—and determined that the apical meristems of sunflower leaves, roots, and shoots were capable of producing GAs. He turned down offers from the University of Adelaide and the British sugar company Tate and Lyle after earning his PhD in 1965, opting instead to join the newly formed Plant Research Laboratory (PRL) at Michigan State University. As a postdoctoral fellow at PRL, Jones worked closely with plant biologists Anton Lang and Joe Varner on research into GAs, and began developing the collaborative approach to teaching and mentoring that would later define his career.
In 1966, Jones joined the UC Berkeley faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Botany—a precursor to the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB). Jones focused his research on the aleurone layer—the thicker outer layer that surrounds starchy inner endosperm—within barley and Arabidopsis. Leveraging advanced microscopy and biochemical techniques of the time, Jones ultimately detailed how GAs and other hormones, as well as molecules such as calcium and nitric oxide, determine whether seeds remain dormant, sprout, or undergo programmed cell death. A prolific scholar, he published over 200 journal articles and book chapters during his career—work that has been cited thousands of times—and co-edited two major textbooks: The Molecular Life of Plants and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants.
Jones was widely respected for his engaging lectures and for the personal attention he gave to researchers and students of all levels. He served as the major professor for 24 PhD students, many of whom went on to distinguished careers in academia, industry, and public service. "Russell can only be described as an excellent mentor who allowed you to pursue your ideas and make mistakes," University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Professor Robert Paull, PhD '75 Plant Physiology, told the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB). "His experience and knowledge helped me and others, and provided us guidance to address the research challenges we faced." In addition to cultivating a high-performing lab environment, Jones famously hosted twice-daily teatimes to foster reflection, camaraderie, and a sense of community.
A tireless advocate for international collaboration, Jones organized and participated in scientific conferences and workshops on six continents and hosted dozens of postdocs and visiting scholars from around the world. He took four sabbaticals to the Australian National University in Canberra, and also spent a sabbatical at research institutions in the United Kingdom and Germany.
At Berkeley, Jones chaired the Department of Botany from 1981 to 1986, guiding it through a period of transformation and growth. He also served on the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate, directed the Education Abroad Program in Australia, and was a trustee of the University and Jepson Herbaria. He also helped shape the direction of plant science research worldwide by serving as president of the American Society of Plant Physiologists (now ASPB) from 1993 to 1994, Managing Editor of the journal Planta, and an editorial board member of the Annual Review of Plant Biology (and its predecessor) for more than 25 years. Scientific advisory boards in both the United Kingdom and the United States also sought his expertise on research funding and policy.
Jones' contributions and service to his field and the University did not go unnoticed. He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for plant sciences in 1972, elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2001, and named an ASPB Fellow in 2007 as part of their inaugural cohort. He retired from active teaching in 2009 but remained involved with PMB as a professor emeritus. In 2010, Jones was awarded the Berkeley Citation for his extraordinary service to the University.
"Russell was a long-time faculty member and leader in plant biology who was an inspirational scientist, educator, friend, and mentor for so many," said Professor Britt Glaunsinger, chair of PMB. "He remained highly engaged with PMB until the end, was a close friend to many, and will be deeply missed."
Beyond his contributions to plant biology, Jones is remembered as a gifted storyteller with a passion for hiking, gardening, and exploring the natural beauty of California and Europe. Jones was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, with whom he shared a deep love for both English and Welsh culture. He is survived by their children—Deborah, Matthew, and Kathryn—and their families; his partner, Else Vellinga; and a brother.
Read More
- Biography: Pioneer Member Russell Jones (ASPB)
- Testimonials for Pioneer Member Russell Jones (ASPB)
- Q&A: Legacy Society Founding Member Russell Jones (ASPB)
- In Memoriam: Russell Lewis Jones (University of California Academic Senate)
