(Oct 22) In a charming story of love and measurements, a professor in chemical biology tells the story of his journey from lab to Bake Off tent and reveals the remarkable similarities between baking and chemistry.
A Chemist’s Path to Baking Fame
After he got stuck into his research at the University of Leicester last year, chemical biology researcher Josh Smalley got a phone call that would alter his life forever – an invitation to take part in the 14th edition of the much-loved television show ‘The Great British Bake Off.’
The one-time amateur baker — he started as one of 12 fellow home cook competitors on the show — wove his scientific training with his kitchen prowess throughout his run. While the competition was high-stakes and pressurised, his training in the lab proved invaluable as he faced each bake like a scientific conundrum.
Smalley tells me, “My two great passions in life have always been baking and science. Not only do I relish integrating my homemade cooking with technical understanding as well as translating an orderly and exacting routine from a chemistry research lab to the kitchen.
Bridging the Gap: How Chemistry Enhances Baking
Smalley’s success on the show highlights the remarkable synergy between chemistry and baking – a connection he explores in depth in a recent essay published in the journal Cell Chemical Biology.
His training as a chemical biologist, where he focused on developing proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) for the selective degradation of histone deacetylase enzymes, proved invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the baking tent.
“I have come to learn over the years in both scenarios how things like temperatures and clean glassware are essential for perfect results and that the order of addition can have big implications on the product,” he explains.
This understanding of the underlying chemical processes involved in baking allowed Smalley to troubleshoot and overcome challenges with ease, showcasing his chemistry-themed creations, like his impressive chocolate celebration box, with confidence and precision.
Now, as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Leicester, Smalley is continuing to explore the connections between his scientific work and his culinary pursuits, developing peptidomimetic sulfinamide foldamers while also using baking as a tool to engage the public and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Conclusion
Josh Smalley’s journey from the lab to the tent of the Great British Bake Off is a testament to the powerful synergies between the worlds of chemistry and baking. By seamlessly blending his scientific expertise and his culinary passions, Smalley has not only achieved personal success but has also found a unique way to promote science and inspire others. As he continues to advance in both his academic career and his baking pursuits, Smalley’s story serves as a captivating example of how the principles of chemistry can be applied to create truly extraordinary culinary masterpieces.
