The BioActives Lab is led by Professor Salim Al-Babili, who has longstanding expertise in genetic engineering of biofortified crops and elucidating metabolic pathways. The group is currently working on basic and translational aspects of plant metabolism and hormone research, focused on strigolactones and on identifying novel small molecules regulating crop resilience and performance. In addition, they are developing hormone-based chemistries to combat the root parasitic plant Striga, and establishing the molecular toolkit required for improving the resistance and performance of pearl millet, a nutritious and important cereal for arid and hot climates.