Dr Alexander Ruban is a Professor in Biophysics at the Queen Mary University of London, UK. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of light energy utilisation and management in the photosynthetic membrane. The major goal of his lab is to understand how biological matter is designed to conduct a variety of intimate physical processes accompanying photosynthetic energy conversion and how structural properties of the photosynthetic light harvesting proteins govern flexibility and efficiency of photosynthesis. Recent advances of Professor Ruban's research include a discovery of the photoprotective molecular switch in the photosystem 2 antenna and establishment of the great plasticity in the light harvesting antenna design of higher plants. He has an impressive research and publication record and his expertise in plant physiology, biophysics and biochemistry make him uniquely suited to act as lead editor on this foundational, comprehensive title.