Abstract

An exercise in Kuhnian ‘normal science’ on viruses in plants led to the discovery of small interfering RNA . The subsequent exploration of RNA -directed DNA methylation, epigenetic effects and non Mendelian inheritance has led to technologies for new human therapeutics, disease resistance in crops, and epigenetic strategies for crop improvement. Professor Sir Baulcombe was the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge until 2017. Following his PhD and post-doctoral positions, he joined the Plant Breeding Institute (PBI) in Cambridge, UK, and then the Sainsbury Laboratory, which was in Norwich at the time. With Andrew Hamilton, Baulcombe discovered the small interfering RNA that determines specificity in RNA -mediated gene silencing in plants. This gene silencing effect was later reported by Craig Mellow and Andrew Fire in C. elegans, for which they were awared the 2006 Nobel Prize. In 2009, Baulcombe was awarded a knighthood for services to plant science.

The talk is open to the public! Start: 18:00 1hr talk followed by a Q&A, then cheese & wine & a chat!

Where: Pfizer lecture theatre, Chemistry department Members: Free | Non-members: £3

https://www.facebook.com/events/2100183760243925/