Professor Geoff Palmer OBE is one of the world’s most respected scientists in the field of grain and brewing. In this interview, he talks to poet Benjamin Zephaniah about his early jobs and education and his career in plant science so far.

”I had no formal education before that, but I found an interest in biology.”

His scientific career began as a technician, assisting a Professor in a University lab, who encouraged him to study for a degree. Hear him talk to poet Benjamin Zephaniah about his early experiences as a scientist.

”I realised early that if I was going to defend myself in any society, I needed to be able to reason.”

Summary

A-levels: 4 A-levels, including A-level Biology

Study after school / college: Undergraduate degree in Botany, studied part-time while working as a junior lab assistant; PhD at Heriot-Watt University

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Read more about Geoff Palmer’s work and job experiences