The UK’s dream of becoming a ‘science superpower’ But it will take long-term thinking on investment, talent and infrastructure
Like many environmentally conscious twentysomethings, Ross Hendron is determined to help save the planet.
The difference is that Hendron, a former Oxford university plant scientist turned start-up entrepreneur, has a real-world plan to make a difference. His dream is taking shape under purple lights in a science lab on the outskirts of the city, where genetically modified wheat crops are being prepared for real-world seed trials early next year.
The idea behind Hendron’s nascent company, Wild Bioscience, lies at the intersection of molecular and computational biology. It identifies individual genes in wheat and then activates them to create “wild-enhanced” varieties that grow faster and bigger with less water and nutrients.
This story originally appeared on: Financial Times - Author:Daniel Thomas
