Harry Brumer

Harry Brumer is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, with an associate membership in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology within the Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Carbohydrate Enzymology Research Group at the Michael Smith Laboratories, where his research focuses on understanding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and their roles in biomass modification.

Brumer's research interests center on carbohydrate enzymology, particularly the mechanisms by which enzymes alter polysaccharides in plant cell walls and wood fibers. His work spans fundamental enzymology and applied biotechnology, with applications in forest products, agricultural industries, and understanding human gut microbiota. He investigates how CAZymes synthesize, rearrange, and degrade glycosidic bonds, with special emphasis on carbohydrate oxidases involved in polysaccharide functionalization.

His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on human gut microbiota's utilization of plant polysaccharides, enzymatic mechanisms of carbohydrate modification, and biotechnological applications of carbohydrate-active enzymes. These works appear in high-impact journals including Science, Nature, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Among his scientific contributions, Brumer coordinates CAZypedia, the Encyclopedia of Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes, and has contributed to the development of the BiblioPlus MediaWiki extension. His research has been recognized with Editor's Pick selections in multiple journals and coverage by major media outlets including Global News and Chemical & Engineering News.

Brumer's laboratory actively collaborates with researchers across multiple disciplines, including structural biologists, microbiologists, and biotechnologists, to advance understanding of carbohydrate enzymology and develop innovative applications for renewable biomass resources.