Dr Valentina Buffagni

Valentina’s project focuses on developing transgene-free, high-multiplex genome editing systems in polyploid wheat, enabling the simultaneous modification of multiple loci to support trait development aligned with contemporary breeding priorities. Trained within the Wheat Transformation Platform following its establishment in 2023, she has contributed to advancing precision genome editing technologies that allow for the production of field-ready wheat lines and the direct evaluation of edited plants under agronomic conditions.

Her work aims to deliver robust editing workflows tailored to commercially relevant germplasm, facilitating the precise modification of complex traits and supporting the integration of genome editing into modern breeding programmes.

Looking ahead, her broader interest lies in expanding the durum wheat editing pipeline and translating her innovations towards commercially viable wheat improvement.