News article

A team of agriculture students from Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) are the winners of the 2017 NIAB Agronomy Cup and the title ‘the best student wheat growers in the country'.

NIAB EMR, in a joint UK-China research programme, has discovered several strains of the strawberry disease Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), belonging to two different groups, that act in very different ways. The results are already being used by plant breeders in the development of a new generation of wilt resistant varieties.

NIAB is part of a new study on a wheat stem rust sample found in the UK in 2013, the findings of which have been published by the John Innes Centre (see below). NIAB’s input in testing the unusual disease was supported by the H2020 project EMPHASIS (Grant Number 634179) which is exploring ways to control a wide range of alien and emerging pest and disease threats in Europe.

Dr Tina Barsby, CEO of Cambridge-based crop science organisation NIAB, has been awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year Honours List for services to agricultural science and biotechnology.

Dr Barsby is a plant geneticist, well known for her scientific achievements and significant experience in the agricultural crop sector. CEO of NIAB since 2008, her strong leadership skills and supportive staff have enabled Dr Barsby to position NIAB where it is today, the UK’s fastest growing crop science organisation.

Dr Mike Storey has been awarded the John Green Memorial Trophy for his exceptional contribution to the British potato industry.

UK horticultural crop research organisation NIAB EMR has appointed Dr Matt Clark to lead its technology development programme.

For early career researchers spanning plant and crop science and those in aligned areas such as pathology, entomology, bioinformatics, engineering and robotics

NIAB wishes to support outstanding early career researchers in applications for independent research fellowship such as:

As NIAB approaches its centenary celebrations in 2019, it is seeking to improve and modernise the existing Cambridge facilities at Huntingdon Road. Planning permission has already been granted for new facilities at NIAB’s existing field station at Park Farm, Histon, where building will commence in early 2018.

UK horticultural crop research organisation NIAB EMR has appointed Dr Andrew Simkin to lead its emerging fruit quality and development research programme.

Consistent flavour, good fruit quality and long shelf life are set to make two new raspberry varieties, Malling Bella and Malling Charm, strong favourites with consumers and retailers in the future, says breeder NIAB EMR.