Mark oversees the construct and cloning aspects of the wheat transformation and gene editing team at the John Innes Centre (JIC), focusing on Wheat Gene Editing (GE). His role often involves liaising with students, postdocs, research assistants, group leaders, and a multitude of external stakeholders.

Recognised as the “Molecular Expert” within JIC’s Wheat Transformation and Gene Editing Facility, Mark has extensive experience in transformation and genome editing across various major crop species, including wheat, Brassica, potato, tomato, barley, and pea.

Working  closely with the Delivering Sustainable Wheat (DSW) programme. This includes contributing to the Wheat Breeders Toolkit–GE in collaboration with Rothamsted Research and DSW partners, supporting and gene editing projects that enable researchers to investigate gene function across a broad range of studies.

Mark is also actively involved in the Defra Wheat Genetic Improvement Network (WGIN), which focuses on improving the efficiency, resilience, adaptation, and sustainability of wheat through genetics, precision breeding, and targeted trait analysis.

Mark’s primary interest lies in developing new transformation and gene editing tools using a range of molecular and cloning techniques. He has a particular interest in advanced gene editing technologies, such as Prime Editing, and Base Editing, which he has successfully adapted and introduced these into the strategically important crop wheat, both at JIC and through collaborative projects worldwide. He has continuously provided world-leading expertise that enables JIC science to impact at the highest level.

Construct Lead: Co-ordinates cloning and construct preparation for the Wheat Transformation & Gene Editing team. Advises on gene editing, construct design and cloning in support of JIC Science and strategic programmes.  

Expertise: Gene Editing, Molecular Cloning. Transformation (cereals, brassica, solanaceae, legumes), Downstream analysis of transgenic and gene edited material.

Honorary Teaching Fellow – University of East Anglia