The Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science (CEPAMS) brings together three world-leading laboratories in the UK and China to achieve the global aspirations of food security and sustainable health care
The partnership between the John Innes Centre and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is built on a strong history of scientific links which stretch back to the earliest days of UK-China research collaboration.
The Centre, which was established in 2014, nurtures excellent science and focuses on the improvement of food crops and the production of high value, beneficial products from plants and microbes. The mission of CEPAMS is to maximise the synergy of CAS and John Innes Centre research, working together for excellent science and global public good.
The John Innes Centre now counts over 100 scientifically active alumni in China, many of whom have reached senior positions in the Chinese science system. A group of these alumni initiated a discussion about the concept of having a “John Innes Centre in China”, this directly led to CEPAMS being developed by ourselves and CAS.
Co-directors of CEPAMS Professors Cao Xiaofeng and Ray Dixon work side-by-side to lead this collaboration, bringing together scientists from across the globe and facilitating excellence in plant and microbial science.
Professor Ray Dixon of the John Innes Centre said;
Professor Cao Xiaofeng of CAS adds; “CEPAMS is truly a synergy of the very best science and the very best scientists in China and the UK. I believe that this synergy has tremendous potential for excellent scientific output and global public good.”