Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge transfer is a key imperative within NIAB’s charitable objectives and we are involved in a wide range of activities that aim to facilitate the communication of the work of the Institute. The breadth and scope of NIAB’s work means that we interact with a unique network of stakeholders and communicate to a wide range of audiences on a local, national and international basis.
The NIAB Association
As well as a NIAB presence at the major agricultural and horticultural events the NIAB Association is a key platform for sharing knowledge and expertise on crop science with farmers, agronomists and industry stakeholders. The Association is unique to NIAB and remains a vital link for ensuring that the work of the Institute continues to deliver practical benefit within easy reach of those engaged in crop improvement.
The first NIAB membership scheme was launched in 1921 and specifically intended to facilitate the dissemination of information relating to the work of the Institute to farmers and industry in the UK and abroad. It aimed to create a body of subscribers who would make known the work of NIAB and provide some income to meet the running costs. Prime Minister Lloyd George was among the first members! Although the membership scheme is no longer subsidised in any way and the name and format have evolved over the years its fundamental remit remains the same.
A recent survey of NIAB members showed that our independent status is highly rated and viewed as an increasingly important resource for the UK, especially in respect of some of the more complex issues involving plant science currently faced. NIAB’s unique capabilities in plant varieties and seeds remain highly valued and the Association is a useful way to stay in touch in a very practical way with the work of NIAB and developments in plant science and technology.
Research
Our research scientists regularly publish peer-reviewed papers, contribute to conferences and other scientific meetings to facilitate knowledge transfer between the local, national and international plant science community.
Policy
NIAB expertise contributes to a wide range of UK scientific, industry and policy based networks. For example, in 2008 NIAB has supported the foundation of an All Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture which aims to stimulate scientifically informed debate in Westminster. Further examples of NIAB’s involvement at the forefront of scientific and industry knowledge share networks are the contributions NIAB staff make to the Cambridge Partnership for Plant Sciences, the Bioscience for Business Knowledge Transfer Network and Monogram.
Our unique competencies make significant technical contributions on national and international issues related to plant varieties and seeds via Defra, BSPB, CEL, various variety evaluation committees and committees and working groups associated with European and International organisations such as CPVO, OECD, UPOV, ISF and ISTA.
Training
Training is an important and broad-based activity at NIAB. We deliver standard courses to industry on behalf of Defra as well as tailored courses to meet specific needs in the UK and abroad.
We interact with the younger generation of plant and crop scientists in a number of different ways. Recent examples include delivering a postgraduate level course, entitled “Quantitative Methods in Plant Breeding”, hosting a visit from Nottingham University students studying for a Masters in Crop Improvement, Plant Genetic Manipulation and offering work experience placements to undergraduate students.
NIAB also collaborates with a variety of partners and supports a number of PhD studentships.
Community Projects
NIAB’s outreach activities include participating in community projects to give the public a better understanding of its work. Scientists visit local schools to talk about their work and they are invited to educational Open Days at NIAB. Close links have been established with some schools.
NIAB recently teamed up with the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens and interacted with over 1,000 primary school children on the subject of understanding vegetables, “From Field to Plate”. The initiative was extended to secondary school children who participated in a Plant Genetics Week on the theme of “Understanding Plant Genetics, from Breeder to Consumer”.
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