Excellence in plant and microbial science
The discovery and design of new products, and the discovery of new uses for existing and novel products
We focus on research with global implications for human health and well-being, in particular on molecules with potential as anti-microbial and therapeutic agents and on the design of crop plants with improved nutrient contents.
Our research also contributes to the development of more sustainable agricultural and industrial practices, with positive environmental benefits.
Through collaborators, new compounds and enzymes will be tested for utility as environmentally-friendly agrichemicals, sustainable feedstocks and industrial catalysts. Our research on chemical interactions between soil organisms has huge potential for the development of new ways to maintain crop and soil health
The SAW initiative was developed by Professor Anne Osbourn, at the John Innes Centre in Norwich to break down the barriers between science and the arts.
Read about saw (science, art and writing) trust: innovative science education for primary schools and beyond
We are studying the chemical composition of floral scent in oilseed rape to find out how this varies between varieties and the influence it can have on attracting pollinators and pests.
Read about characterising floral scent in oilseed rape
We have developed soil sensors to monitor nitrogen content at different depths of the soil informing farmers and agronomists how much nitrogen is available to crops.
Read about nitrogen sensors for crop growth and fertiliser application
Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as a major public health threat
Read about antimicrobial resistance (amr)
Starch is the main carbohydrate in our diet, it is a major component of many staple crops, such as cereal grains and potato tubers
Read about understanding how plants make starch
Humans have used plants as medicines for thousands of years, but there is currently an urgent need for new drugs
Read about plants as factories
Generating crops with systematic variation for mineral nutrient content and health-promoting metabolites
Read about nutritious food
Long-term plant virology research transmits global benefits. Our research into viruses has underpinned many different developments in science, medicine and agriculture
Read about virology research timeline