Is it the “attack of the killer tomatoes” or is it a sensible way to feed the world’s growing population?

The new wave of research lies in biotechnology, where living organisms or substances such as genes or DNA are used in food production processes. A core stream of food biotechnology is genetics, where plant and animal strains are bred for better characteristics.

Applying biotech knowledge, you could develop potatoes to make chips that absorb less fat when fried or rice that helps diabetics produce insulin. Or you might help third world countries by developing bananas containing a vaccine against cholera.

Biotechnology and genetics are controversial areas involving social and ethical issues, which are affected by our social attitudes and beliefs. This is a challenging area to work in, where your research could make a real difference to what we put on the table in the future.