Plants are amazing chemical factories. They synthesise myriad specialised metabolites, many of which have evolved to help defend the plant against attack by myriad predators from which the plant is unable to run away. Over thousands of years humans have gained experience and knowledge of how to use plants both to our collective benefit but also to harm others. Many of these specialised metabolites (chemicals) in plants that we consider to be toxic and dangerous are actually also used to great benefit medicinally.

This course will introduce you to the world of these specialised plant metabolites and unearth examples where the same plants have been used in nefarious crimes as well as to provide potentially life-saving medicines.

After studying chemistry at both degree and PhD level and working in different roles in the pharmaceutical industry, Alison’s passion for plants got the better of her. She retrained as a horticulturist, and joined the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, eventually becoming Acting Director. Alison is now focusing on using horticulture as a conduit for science communication but also enjoys creating new gardens for plant enthusiasts.