Malcolm Bennett, Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Nottingham, discusses here about his research into root development, the ‘hidden half of plant biology.’ He talks about working with computer scientists and soil scientists, and explains how they work toward improving water efficiency and nutrient uptake in the model plant Arabidopsis. As the four previous scientists in this series also said, he hopes the work will be translated to crop species. He also discusses funding for UK plant science, and the progress that has been made by the community in recent years.