John Innes Centre

Welcome to the John Innes Centre, an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science and microbiology. Our mission is to carry out excellent fundamental and strategic research, towards generation of economic and societal impact; to train scientists; to make our findings available to society.

The John Innes Centre contributes over £170M annually to the UK economy, demonstrating the impact and relevance of the excellent scientific research we undertake, and validating the investment of public funding to support this (2008 data from an independent report by DTZ). An economic impact brochure highlights the key achievements of the institute during the 100 years of its existence, the impact of its science and how it has been of benefit to society.

News from JIC

Economic Impact
January 2010
The John Innes Centre contributes over £170M annually to the UK economy, demonstrating the impact and relevance of the research we undertake, and validating the investment of public funding. A new economic impact brochure highlights the key achievements of JIC, the impact of its science and how it has been of benefit to society.
Food Security Food Security
January 2010
At a public event on February 9th, scientists from the John Innes Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory will talk about how research in Norwich is helping to tackle the global challenge of food security. 
Prof. Steve Jones, presenter of the First Lamb Lecture 'What sex really means' The Lamb Lecture - What sex really means
January 2010
In December, Prof. Steve Jones from University College London, presented the first Lamb Lecture entitled 'What sex really means'. This presentation is now available for viewing online.
reporter plant The plant that doesn't feel the cold
January 2010
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have discovered that plants have a built-in thermometer that they use to control their development.
Food Security brochure Food Security - What Next?
December 2009
The John Innes Centre and Sainsbury Laboratory are making crucial contributions to the Grand Challenge of food security. This brochure describes some of the work underway to help deliver the BBSRC's food security mission.
JIC logo John Innes scientist at the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
December 2009
Professor Cathie Martin of the John Innes Centre made a guest appearance at this year's Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.
Arabidopsis flowers Flowering powers genetic understanding
December 2009
New research from the John Innes Centre on how plants adapt their flowering to climate is also helping to unravel some of the mysteries of how genes are controlled.
Prof Tony Maxwell, Marcus Edwards and Dr David Lawson Two heads better than one in new antibiotic method
December 2009
An antibiotic that binds to a well-established target in a novel and unexpected way could be the inspiration for designing new, more potent antibacterial drugs.
Undergraduate Summer Research Training Programme, 2010 Undergraduate Summer Research Training Programme 2010
November 2009
The John Innes Centre and Sainsbury Laboratory are pleased to announce their Undergraduate Summer Research Training Programme for 2010. This is a unique opportunity for students to spend the summer working at the JIC.
root tip showing DNA damage in stem cells Protecting the future: how plant stem cells guard against genetic damage
November 2009
JIC scientists have shown how plants can protect themselves against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses.  The growing tips of plant roots and shoots have an in-built mechanism that, if it detects damage to the DNA, causes the cell to ‘commit suicide’ rather than pass on its defective DNA.
Veronica Grieneisen Royal Society announces Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships for 2009
November 2009
The Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, has announced the appointment of 10 new Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows (DHFs) for 2009. Dr Verônica Grieneisen is the recipient of one of these fellowships, and she will be working at the John Innes Centre (JIC) and the University Of East Anglia (UEA).