Kirsten Jørgensen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. She maintains an active research program with 89 research outputs and 63 professional activities documented in her academic profile. Her work is centered on plant biochemistry and physiology with a particular focus on cyanogenic compounds. Dr. Jørgensen specializes in histology and physiology of plants, determining at both the transcriptional and cellular level where active ingredients are produced and localized. Her primary research focus is understanding the role of cyanogenic glucosides in the cassava plant ( Manihot esculenta Crantz). She examines expression patterns of genes involved in cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis during plant development and in response to abiotic and biotic stress factors including salinity, drought, and viral attack. Her research also investigates cellular localization and turnover of cyanogenic glucosides using techniques like in situ PCR and antibodies specific for the enzymes involved. Analysis of her publication record shows consistent research output over the past decade with work spanning plant biochemistry, natural products, plant defense mechanisms, and analytical methods for plant metabolites. Her 2024 publication demonstrates continued active research in plant genomics, particularly with cassava, while her earlier work has made significant contributions to understanding cyanogenic glucoside metabolism across multiple plant species. Scientific Awards: Projekt forskerspire (2005) Dr. Jørgensen has been actively involved in educational outreach, participating in numerous activities including external teaching and subject coordination. Her activities include multiple presentations on GMOs and consumer products at various high schools between 2008-2009, demonstrating her commitment to science communication. Her research profile shows extensive collaboration both nationally and internationally, with significant readership and social media engagement across her publications. Her laboratory work focuses on plant biochemistry with particular expertise in cellular localization techniques, plant defense mechanisms, and the metabolism of natural products including cyanogenic glucosides. She has contributed significantly to understanding how plants produce and regulate potentially toxic compounds like cyanogenic glucosides, with implications for food safety and crop improvement.
