Dr Penny Hundleby

Senior Scientist Building Robustness in Crops (BRiC)

Genetic technologies are used not only to create commercial GM and gene edited crops but they are increasingly being exploited as a research tool for testing gene function.

Penny is a senior scientist within BRACT (Biotech Resources for Arable Crop Transformation), a transformation facility based at the John Innes Centre that involves collaborations with many scientists both locally and globally. Penny leads on the Brassica transformation programmes, enabling the translation of findings from model plants, into Brassica.

Brassicas, as oilseed rape and as vegetable crops, have an annual UK market value in excess of £1Bn. Developing a better understanding of the genetics of these crops, especially the role of genes with potential for use in crop improvement is useful to both scientists, crop breeders and food producers.

Penny also has an interest in the current regulatory and political landscape of GM and gene edited (or precision bred) crops at a global level, particularly in the general history and current market status of biotech crops, regulation, biosafety issues, and science communication in this area. Penny actively engages with scientists, breeders, farmers, policy makers and the public.

Efficient Targeted Mutagenesis in Brassica Crops Using CRISPR/Cas Systems | SpringerLink

Plant molecular farming in the wake of the closure of Medicago Inc | Nature Biotechnology

Regulatory Constraints and Differences of Genome-Edited Crops Around the Globe | SpringerLink

Regulation of Molecular Farming Products – PubMed (nih.gov)

Selected Publications

See all of Dr Penny Hundleby's publications