Formed in 2021 by public affairs professionals from all six partners on the Norwich Research Park, the Public Affairs Group provides scientific expertise and evidence to policymakers.

The group supports engagement with parliamentarians, civil servants and stakeholders to increase awareness of the world-leading scientific research in Norwich and provides robust scientific evidence to support policy and decision making.

The Earlham Institute and University of East Anglia’s Head of Public Affairs, Saskia Hervey, believes a scientific evidence base is necessary for policy: “When scientists and policy-makers work together it usually leads to better, longer-lasting and more effective public policy decisions.”

This is where the Norwich Research Park can have impact, drawing on diverse knowledge and skills to provide evidence, data and input into a wide range of topics that are relevant to policymaking – from agricultural innovation, to public health and climate change strategies.

Over the past four years, the Public Affairs Group (PAG) has been advocating for new legislation to enable the use of precision breeding (including gene editing) for plants and food.

Andrew Stronach, Head of External Relations and Engagement at the Quadram Institute, explains: “The Norwich Research Park institutions, scientists and clinicians are world-leaders in plant and microbial science, food, nutrition and genetic technologies. In the face of the climate and food security crises, it was clear that we needed to present a cohesive community of interest for the precision breeding legislation.”

Dr Felicity Perry, Head of Communications and Engagement at the John Innes Centre, and member of the PAG said: “We can achieve more when we collaborate and pursue joint objectives. The PAG exemplifies how diverse organisations can achieve shared and individual goals. By supporting each other holistically we maximise our impact.”

Read more about the passing of the secondary legislation to implement the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act for plants in England.

Please read page 8 of our PDF flipbook to see a full timeline of the Public Affairs Group’s engagement activity on this important legislation.

The founding members of the Norwich Research Park Public Affairs Group are: Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, The Sainsbury Laboratory, Quadram Institute, the University of East Anglia and Anglia Innovation Partnership. Spin out and tenant companies from the Park can also join the PAG.