In this episode of Living Biology, Poppy speaks with plant scientist Declan Perry about his journey through education as someone with severe dyslexia and autism. Declan reflects on the challenges he faced growing up, the teachers and mentors who helped him succeed, and how his neurodivergence has shaped his approach to scientific research.

Declan explains his PhD research at Royal Holloway, University of London, into chloroplast development in plants, why photosynthesis remains a fascinating scientific puzzle, and how understanding it could help improve crop productivity in the future.

Podcast host: Poppy Lambert

Podcast Editor: Sam Stemp