NEWS
ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH LAUNCHES ANNUAL REVIEW
The latest Annual Review showcases highlights from a busy year spent delivering excellent science, establishing collaborations and re-defining our long-term vision and strategic priorities.
- 12
- SEP
- 2016
Rothamsted Research is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and innovation for science in support of agricultural productivity, crop protection and sustainable grazing livestock systems. The Annual Review 2015/2016, which was launched today, celebrates some of the research highlights and accomplishments of staff at Rothamsted Research. The printed Annual Review is accompanied by a digital version and video available on the Rothamsted Research website.
In an introductory overview, Director Achim Dobermann describes the progress made in 2015/2016, as well as setting out his vision for the future, including the four grand challenges on which we will focus our research over the next 5-10 years.
The Review highlights significant scientific achievements that demonstrate the impact of the Institute’s science towards the global challenges of food security and environmental sustainability.
Two major pieces of scientific infrastructure are covered in the Review: the Farm Platform at North Wyke and the Field Scanalyzer in Harpenden. The Review also describes developments on the Harpenden campus, with the opening of the new Conference Centre and Lawes Open Innovation Hub, as well as the arrival of its first occupants, Agrimetrics.
Over the last year, Rothamsted Research has formed and maintained numerous partnerships and research activities around the world, helping to accelerate research and transfer knowledge. These partnerships include work in China, Brazil, Kenya and Colombia.
Staff and researchers at Rothamsted also engaged in dialogue with the public, and the Review covers highlights including the ‘Soil is Life’ exhibition that promoted the International Year of Soils, and ‘The Real Beef about Meat’ display at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition.
The Rothamsted Research Annual Review 2015/2016 and the associated video can be found here. To request a printed copy of the Annual Review 2015/2016 please e-mail Dr Matina Tsalavouta, Head of Communications and Public Engagement with your contact details.
About Rothamsted Research
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking discoveries, from crop treatment to crop protection, from statistical interpretation to soils management. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative influence on fresh thinking and farming practices.
Through independent science and innovation, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally. In terms of the institute’s economic contribution, the cumulative impact of our work in the UK was calculated to exceed £3000 million a year in 20151. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines science and strategic research, interdisciplinary teams and partnerships.
Rothamsted is also home to three unique resources. These National Capabilities are open to researchers from all over the world: The Long-Term Experiments, Rothamsted Insect Survey and the North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
For more information, visit https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/; Twitter @Rothamsted
1Rothamsted Research and the Value of Excellence: A synthesis of the available evidence, by Séan Rickard (Oct 2015)
About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by government, BBSRC invested £469 million in world-class bioscience in 2016-17. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
More information about BBSRC, our science and our impact.
More information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes
About LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.
