John Innes Centre
Scientist using a multipipette to load a multiwell plate.

Who are we?

What is the John Innes Centre?

The John Innes Centre (JIC) is Europe 's premier independent research centre for the study of plant science and microbiology.

Our 800 staff are predominantly scientists and research students, but running a large and complex research centre requires a significant number (around 150) of specialist support staff.

The Centre's main site is at Colney on the outskirts of Norwich, although we also occupy a small farm in Colney and the 200 acre Church Farm, in Bawburgh (a nearby village). Our main site includes several large laboratory buildings, extensive glasshouses, a conference centre, library and various ancillary buildings - including a recreation centre.

In legal terms the Centre is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

JIC is one of six mission-driven Institutes sponsored by the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The Institutes provide critical national capability and expertise in strategically important areas, and are central to delivering BBSRC’s vision and priorities.

JIC research maps closely onto  BBSRC’s key strategic research priorities :

  • Food Security 
    • bioscience for a sustainable supply of sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, adapting to a rapidly changing world
  • Bioenergy and industrial biotechnology 
    • biofuels and industrial materials from novel biological sources, reducing dependency on petrochemicals and helping the UK to become a low carbon economy
  • Basic bioscience underpinning health 
    • driving advances for better health across the life course and improved quality of life, reducing the need for medical and social intervention

Other BBSRC mission-driven Institutes

Who pays for it all?

JIC is funded by over 40 different organisations. The largest single contribution, nearly 60% of income, is from UK taxpayers via the UK government. Our largest sponsor is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Other major sponsors are charities (12%) and the European Union science programmes (9%). The Centre wins the vast majority of its funding from sponsors in direct competition with other research providers - such as Universities and other national and international research centres.

Who is in charge?

The JIC Governing Council is responsible for the management and administration of JIC and for developing (with the Director) the long-term vision for the Centre. The main executive body of the John Innes Centre is the Centre Management Board (CMB)

Who decides what science is done?

Science at JIC is driven by scientists' curiosity about how plants and microbes work. Project leaders and senior scientists determine the day-to-day direction of the Centre's science programmes. The Centre's Science Board (CMB and Heads of Scientific Departments) has a rolling programme that regularly reviews areas of JIC science and advises on changes of emphasis, direction and levels of support.

JIC is subject to a four yearly Institute Assessment Exercise (IAE) in which a Visiting Group, composed of internationally recognised scientists, undertakes a detailed comparison of the Centre's performance against the best equivalent science in universities, research organisations and industry worldwide. The outcomes of the IAE can affect both the funding and direction of research.

All JIC science is required to meet any relevant standards and guidelines laid down by internal JIC safety committees, statutory bodies (such as the Health and Safety Executive, Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and by professional scientific bodies.

Further information:

You can find much more information about the structure, organization, management and funding of the JIC by following the links below: