R2Kast 325 - Kirsty McInnes on Slugs, Soil Archives, and Scientific Surprises

Today we welcome Kirsty McInnes onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From a childhood phobia of slugs to earning her PhD in plant molecular genetics, Kirsty’s story is a brilliant blend of curiosity, courage, and crawling critters. Her fascination with slugs started with fear, but evolved into a passion that now sees her advocating for integrated land management and slug appreciation alike! 🐌🔬

We dive into Kirsty’s groundbreaking research on UVB light’s effect on oilseed rape, slugs, and insects, exploring how GM and gene editing could lead to resilient crops. Her insights into biological pest control, sacrificial crops, and how slugs might just be misunderstood make this episode one of the most unique yet! 🌱🧪

From watching slugs lay eggs to building molecular labs at Rothamsted and leading research fellowships at Newcastle University, Kirsty shares the reality of scientific discovery, including the emotional rollercoaster of becoming Dr. McInnes. Her storytelling makes complex science both fun and deeply relatable. 🧬✨

We also chat about the Svalbard Seed Vault, historic soil archives, and her love for research that respects nature. With humour, humility, and a whole lot of slug facts, Kirsty is an unforgettable guest whose work is transforming pest management from pesticides to precision. 📚🌍

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

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