John Innes Centre
JIC scientist and members of the public in discussion at Chelsea Flower Show.

JIC and Society

How does JIC see its role in society?

JIC recognizes its responsibility to achieve and maintain the highest standards both in its science and its corporate behaviour.

We serve the needs of UK and European Governments, the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council, our research sponsors and collaborators and our local community, by providing:

  • high quality research and education,
  • good employment opportunities and conditions,
  • leading edge scientific knowledge and,
  • opportunities for wealth creation.

JIC also seeks to use its staff and facilities to support the community life of Norwich and Norfolk. Two specific examples are; we make facilities available for events, including musical concerts and exhibitions, and we encourage our staff to support science teaching and student mentoring in schools.

What about JIC's science and its effect on society?

Discoveries at JIC can lead to new technologies that potentially affect the lives of many people around the world. JIC is committed to making the results of its research widely available, so as to add to the scientific knowledge base, to encourage the development of new technologies and to enable evidence-based policy-making.

In a scientific context we do this by publishing in scientific and popular journals, by participating in conferences and symposia and through research collaborations.

How does JIC make its science known outside scientific circles?

Information for non-specialists is published in our newletter 'Advances', other occasional publications on specific topics and on this website. JIC also organizes and participates in many events that ensure that JIC science and scientists are made accessible to different public and special interest group audiences.

JIC seeks to communicate new scientific discoveries, and other matters of likely interest to society, via the media. Our Media Office regularly issues Media Releases to journalists. Wherever possible we make our scientists, and facilities, available in response to requests from the media.

What does JIC think about patenting life?

JIC maintains a collection of policy documents and position statements on important, or contentious, issues likely to be of particular interest to society eg. patenting, genetic modification, corporate ethical conduct etc.

Further information: