Mette Sørensen

Mette Sørensen is a Guest Researcher at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, specializing in plant biochemistry with a focus on specialized metabolites in Eucalyptus trees. Her research examines plant-environment interactions through the lens of chemical defense mechanisms.

Her primary research interests include:

• Specialized metabolites in plants
• Cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis and regulation
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profiling
• Plant defense mechanisms
• Plant-environment interactions
• Eucalyptus biochemistry and ecology

Dr. Sørensen's research program combines molecular-level investigations with ecosystem-scale studies. She has established a collection of over 30 Eucalyptus species in Copenhagen, with half her research conducted in Danish glasshouses and the other half in Australia through collaboration with the University of Melbourne. Her work bridges gene-level analysis with broader ecological implications, particularly regarding how climate change affects plant defense mechanisms.

Her scientific contributions span plant biochemistry, molecular biology, and sustainable biomanufacturing, with a consistent focus on understanding plant chemical defense systems and their applications. Her research demonstrates strong international collaboration, particularly with Australian institutions.

Dr. Sørensen has received recognition for her work, with publications featured in multiple news outlets, policy documents, and social media platforms, indicating the broader impact of her research.