Staff

Research interests

Lydia Smith has over 35 years applied farmer-facing work, especially in novel/underutilised crops and their impact on soil health and microbial interactions. she has engaged with wide-ranging research related to the impact on soil health and farming efficiency. Most recently leading development of farmer-focussed approaches to enhancing soil health through cropping choices; especially those associated with carbon-capture and deep rooting characters.

Liz Scott is Head of Crop Characterisation with overall responsibility for management and delivery of NIAB’s core services to Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO). These comprise Seed Certification services and DUS testing for both National Listing and Plant Breeders’ Rights, alongside technical and policy advice on related issues.

Research interests

Understanding the physiological limitations to yield formation and the adaptations of plants to abiotic stresses such as drought. The current research emphasis is on wheat, although past work involved maize, oats, sugar beet and tropical legumes. New information and tools are needed to increase food production and the effective use of water.

Research interests

Nathan is a research scientist within applied research programmes with expertise in the area of applied soil science. Particular interests and expertise include developing farming systems to improve soil structure and stability whilst maintaining crop productivity and understanding nutrient dynamics for efficient crop production.