Enzymes I have known and loved

Professor Wayne Patrick shares insights from biochemistry and evolution, arguing enzymes should be New Zealand’s top high-value export.

Enzymes are the amazing proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions in every organism on Earth. Life without them is inconceivable. Some of the reactions that are essential for life would take millions, if not billions, of years if there were no enzymes. Being such powerful catalysts, enzymes have also become essential tools for biotechnology.

Professor Patrick is obsessed with enzymes. His research group addresses fundamental questions about their structures, functions and evolution. His team also uses their findings to engineer enzymes with improved properties. In this lecture, Professor Patrick will discuss the insights that come at the interface of biochemistry and evolution, and he will argue that enzymes should become New Zealand’s ultimate high-value export.

Three people in academic robes stand in front of a wooden panelled door.
Left to right—Provost, Professor Bryony James, Professor Wayne Patrick, and Professor Nicola Nelson.

Our public lecture series gives you the opportunity to engage with the latest thinking on the world’s major issues. To stay informed of upcoming public events and lectures at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, sign up to the public lecture mailing list.