International awards boost crop science research

The aim of the four-year projects is to draw on the complementary experience and field expertise of researchers in the UK and France, to help translate basic plant science research into practical information for crop and agronomic improvements. BBSRC is investing £1.6 million in the three projects with INRA providing a similar level of support in their institutes.

The new projects are being undertaken by three university and institute consortia, the first is the University of Cambridge, Rothamsted Research, INRA Grignon and INRA Rennes, the second is the University of York and INRA Montpellier and the third is the University of Nottingham, the John Innes Centre, Rothamsted Research, INRA Clermont-Ferrand and INRA Mons-Peronne.

BBSRC and INRA joined forces last year to support crop science following a recommendation made in the BBSRC Crop Science review that the UK community should increase collaboration with European partners. These are the first three projects to receive funding following the review.

Professor Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC Chief Executive, said: “Collaborative programmes such as these are crucial in furthering our knowledge of crop science. With climate change, changing food demands and the emergence of new pests and diseases, the need to work with international partners to maximise information sharing and effective use of resources is greater than ever.”