Finding a future for food crops: Research Tuesdays

Genetically modified crops have been grown and consumed in many countries for over 30 years. Yet, despite the benefits they offer to human health, crop management and humanitarian support, genetically modified (GM) foods remain a controversial topic.

This month’s Research Tuesday presentation will examine the issues surrounding GM, the arguments for GM crops as a means to help improve food production in the face of a changing climate and shifting nutritional demands, and how we help people to make more informed choices.

The presentation will be given by Associate Professor Matthew Tucker, Deputy Director of the University of Adelaide’s Waite Research Institute, a trained biotechnologist who has worked with genetically modified plants for more than 20 years, across state, national and international frameworks.

Attendees will also hear about the University of Adelaide’s research in next-generation food crops, how these crops will be regulated, and whether the reach might extend far beyond Earth to eventually land on Mars.

The presenter
Associate Professor Matthew Tucker’s research investigates how plants are genetically programmed to produce different cells and tissues, with the aim of understanding how these can be engineered to optimise yield and end-use. As well as his role as a researcher, Matthew also trains PhD, Masters and Honours students in the use of gene technology in plants and is the chair of the University of Adelaide’s Institutional Biosafety Committee.

WHAT:                         Finding a future for food crops

WHO:                          Associate Professor Matthew Tucker

WHERE:                      In person at the Braggs Lecture Theatre, University of Adelaide, North Terrace campus. Or register and watch the live Zoom webinar via the Research Tuesdays website or watch the live stream via the Research Tuesdays Facebook page.

WHEN:                       5.30–6.30 pm, Tuesday 12 October 2021

COST:                         Free event