Dr Karen Massel, University of Queensland

Date: Thursday, 05 November; 10-11 am,  SARDI Auditorium

Title: Transforming crops with gene editing

Bio: Dr Karen Massel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, where she applies gene editing and plant biotechnology tools to improve cereal crops for food and feed security. Trained in Canada and Australia, she specialises in CRISPR/Cas9-based editing of sorghum and barley to enhance protein quality, yield, water-use efficiency and climate resilience. Her work has delivered genetic improvements that double protein digestibility in sorghum, increase yield through canopy redesign, and reduce methane emissions from forage systems, with these innovations now extending to other pulses and forage grasses. Much of her recent work focuses on partnering with plant breeders to translate research outcomes into practical breeding strategies, and to find novel ways of enhancing breeding programs through biotechnological means. She is a strong advocate for the responsible use of both GMO and non-GMO approaches to crop development, particularly where they advance sustainable agriculture. She also actively engages with communities, schools and public forums to explain these technologies and counter misinformation.

Followed by morning tea

https://adelaide.zoom.us/j/88324941961?pwd=iBEvCU8wU2bKbEa3JaDzLIDGOZtEkj.1

Webinar ID: 883 2494 1961, Passcode:429141