Paul Fraser

Professor Paul Fraser is a distinguished academic at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he serves as Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Biological Sciences within the Plant Molecular Sciences Centre for Systems and Synthetic Biology. His research has significant impact across multiple disciplines and contributes to addressing global challenges through innovative biochemical approaches.

Professor Fraser's research focuses on the biosynthesis, regulation, and manipulation of isoprenoids, particularly carotenoids including astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lycopene, phytoene and apocarotenoids. His work spans three major research themes: sustainable production of high-value chemicals using plant and microbial cell factories; food and nutritional security through metabolic engineering of crops; and technology development for metabolite analysis. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including untargeted metabolomics using LC-MS/MS, metabolite profiling using GC-MS/LC-MS, targeted analysis, lipidomics, and proteomic analysis.

Analysis of Professor Fraser's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plant biotechnology applications for food security and sustainable production. His work demonstrates significant progress in metabolic engineering of carotenoid pathways in various crops, particularly cassava, tomato, and rice. The research shows increasing integration of multi-omics approaches and collaboration with international agricultural research centers, particularly CGIAR centers like CIAT-Alliance, CIP, and IITA. His recent work also shows growing emphasis on New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) and applications for addressing climate change challenges.

• Contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Professor Fraser has supervised 26 students throughout his career and currently leads multiple research projects including RTBfoodomics, Efficient cassava prebreeding, EBioAct, and ENSA initiatives. His laboratory infrastructure is well-equipped with GC-MS (x3), GC-FID, HPLC-PDA (x2), UPLC-PDA, real-time PCR machines, digital PCR, glasshouses, tissue culture facilities, and state-of-the-art analytical MS platforms including LC-accurate mass Q-TOF-MS/MS and LC-QQQ-MS. His research has contributed to the release of nutrient-dense crop varieties into the marketplace, such as the Burpee tomato Vivacious hybrid.