Agricultural Crop Research

Huw is the technical manager for the United Kingdom Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCVPS) monitoring UK cereal rust and mildew populations, detecting any changes that may have an adverse effect on UK agriculture. 

Bethany is a post-doc in the quantitative genetics group, part of the plant genetics department at NIAB. In her current role, Bethany works in various projects spanning a wide array of crops including wheat, herbage, Gynandropsis gynandra, Aegilops tauschii, Tef and barley. Her focus lies in genome-wide association studies, designing and analysing trials and other statistical analyses to uncover novel insights into crop genetics.

Research interests

Richard has worked in NIAB’s wheat pre-breeding department since its inception in 2007. He played a significant role in producing two Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) populations which have provided a valuable resource for dissecting trait genetic architecture.

Research Interests

I am a research professional with a PhD in plant molecular biology. My passion lies in using molecular and bioinformatics tools to explore the interactions between plants and their environment, focusing on enhancing crop production and sustainability. Currently, I contribute to innovative project as a Plant Molecular Biologist at NIAB, focusing on regulatory elements in crops. My expertise includes various molecular techniques, biochemistry, and plant physiology.

Research interests

Julia works in NIAB's crop transformation team, where her research interests span molecular biology, gene editing, synthetic biology and development.

My role is split in two. The soil sampling side of my job has me in the field digging for root and soil samples which I then analyse. On the knowledge exchange side of my role, I organise knowledge transfer events such as webinars and farm walks as well as create dissemination materials which are aimed at farmers and agronomists.

Current research/PhD projects

Centre for High Carbon Capture
2023-2027
20 partners
Defra, Innovate UK

Research interests

I joined the team of Dr. Stéphanie Swarbreck as a PhD student in October 2023. In my project the overall hypothesis to be tested is whether we can reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions associated with wheat production by careful selection of new wheat lines and agronomic practises associated with regenerative agriculture.

During my Ph.D., I worked with Dr. Saikat Bhattacharjee at the UNESCO-Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India where I elucidated the virulence function of HopA1 effectors from different pathovars of Pseudomonas syrinage and its evolution to avoid its recognition in planta. Following my Ph.D., I worked as a visiting Researcher with Prof. Florian Grundler at the University of Bonn, Germany where I was involved in studying the plant-nematode interaction.

Nastasiya is a mathematician with a background in probability theory and statistics and interest in solving complex biological questions through mathematical modelling and use of machine learning. She is particular interested in alternative approaches to modelling and analysis of biological data, such as FSPM (functional-structural crop modelling) and use of formal logic. Other interests involve multi-scale modelling (integration of knowledge from several different domains) and method development.

Research interests