Dr Geoffrey C Kite

I manage Kew’s metabolomic facilities employed by researchers to profile the small molecules produced by plants and fungi and identify target compounds. Data acquired on these metabolites are used to investigate ecological interactions between organisms, authenticate traded extracts, discover new uses for plants and fungi, and map the evolution of chemical traits.

The facilities are centred around an ultra high resolution liquid chromatograph interfaced with a high resolution serial mass spectrometer, a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer with thermal desorption capability, and a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. These are supported by several other instrumental chromatography and detection systems.

I am particularly interested in the challenge of developing mass spectrometry techniques to rapidly and confidently identify some of the estimated one million metabolites produced by plants and fungi.

Education

• PhD, Univ. London, 1986
• BSc, Botany, Univ. London, 1982

Awards

• Arthur E. Schwarting Award (co-author), Journal of Natural Products (2016)
• London Biological Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group Award (2007)
• Jack L. Beal Award (co-author), Journal of Natural Products (2003)
• ARPS, Royal Photographic Society (1986)

Appointments

• Editor, Specialist Science & Conservation News, Kew website (2010-2014)
• Production Editor, Kew Scientist (1992-2014)
• Committee, VAM Mass Spectrometry Working Group (2004-2006)
• Committee, Phytochemical Society of Europe (1988-1991)