A leading Australian scientist, Prof Geoff Fincher, described his pioneering research on functional genomics during a visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge.
His study on plant cell walls could have considerable benefits for human health by reducing high cholesterol and some types of colon rectal cancers, as well as lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. It could also lead to considerable savings on water in industrial uses.
Prof Fincher, Deputy Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, made a presentation entitled: “Plant Cell Walls: New Insights and Applications through Functional Genomics.”
Prof Wayne Powell, NIAB’s Chief Executive, said:
“Prof Fincher’s work is at the cutting edge of biochemistry and plant genetics and is tackling major problems in relation to diet and health. His innovative research is studying the biology of how plant cell walls in plants are assembled and the complicated molecular processes through which this happens.”
Prof Fincher said:
“I am delighted to share my knowledge with NIAB as our work is complementary and we are currently developing collaborative projects.”
Prof Fincher is also Director of the Waite Campus and Professor of Plant Science at the University of Adelaide.
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