Sugary solutions for our health and the environment

Speaker: Professor Paul Dupree

Theme: Science and technology

Wood, straw and compostable waste are, perhaps surprisingly, full of sugar. Professor Paul Dupree discusses how plants use sugars to grow, and introduces some recently emerging ideas that studying plant sugars may help us tackle issues from plastic pollution to mental health. Professor Dupree's talk will be followed by a Q&A session.

Professor Paul Dupree is a Professor in Plant Cell Biology at the Department of Biochemistry, and Professorial Fellow and Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Biological) at Magdalene College.

The work Professor Dupree leads at the Dupree Laboratory is focused on understanding the biosynthesis and function of polysaccharide components of the plant cell wall. Despite these polysaccharides being some of the most abundant on Earth, and them having enormous nutritional, agricultural, and industrial importance. Extending our knowledge of these processes could reduce the use of fossil fuels and plastics, replacing them with renewable and biodegradable alternatives to improve the use of wood in building construction and improve dietary fibre, and to replace calorific sugars in our diet with sweet alternatives.

Click here to register for the free event.

This event is a part of the Cambridge Alumni Festival.