A life surrounded by science
Academic Spotlight: Professor Richard Preziosi

“Everything that is in here serves a purpose,” Richard says. “They are a reminder of projects I have worked – or am working – on. But it is also about getting students and other visitors to think about the plants and their uses, or some of the insects that we share our planet with. What better way to do that than by letting them see physical examples of what you want to talk to them about.”
“When you go into a shop, there are fruits and vegetables that come from a very small number of taxonomic groups, sometimes many from a single species. But our choice of whether we pick up a cabbage or a cauliflower, a Brussel sprout or kohlrabi is down to our preference for one particular genetic variation of the same species. That is ecological diversity in action.”
“I love technology and would always consider myself an early-adopter,” Richard says. “I try and combine technology with biology wherever I can, to study things like animal behaviour or whether AI can help us detect changes within individuals and populations.”
We are perfectly placed to drive this kind of innovation forward,” Richard says. “At a time when the demand for sustainable and healthy food has never been higher, the University has the tools to support those working across a number of important industries. We are also looking at ways to foster the next generation of skilled professionals. As opportunities go, this is one we are delighted to be leading.