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NIAB Hosts Debate on Feeding the World’s Future Population

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany and the Soil Association found they shared much common ground during a lively debate on feeding the world’s expanding population.

The debate was held for pupils from two Cambridgeshire schools as part of NIAB’s School Open Day based on the theme of Understanding Plant Genetics, from Breeder to Consumer. The day also included a programme of hands-on learning activities led by scientists on the NIAB farm for 80 pupils aged 13 - 15 from Impington Village College and Parkside Community College.

New Parliamentary Group Visits NIAB

Translating basic plant science into products of value to farmers and consumers was the central theme of a recent parliamentary fact-finding visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, in Cambridge.

Members of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture, led by the Group’s chairman David Kidney MP, toured field trials and new laboratory facilities, and heard how NIAB is leading research to help boost crop yields and cope with the effects of climate change.

NFU President Promotes Future Role Of Plant Science

The National Farmers’ Union President, Peter Kendall, described the “exciting and important future role of plant science” during a visit to Cambridge when he met secondary school pupils taking part in an interactive training event on plant genetics.

He met Year 9 pupils from Parkside Community College at the “Genetics Garden” at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. He was joined by Prof Wayne Powell, NIAB’s Chief Executive, and Prof John Parker, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

NIAB Scientists Help Transform Production of Oil-Based Goods

The humble rosemary plant could revolutionise the way that some oil-based products are made, providing a “green” alternative to the synthetics and fossil fuels which are presently used.

Research scientists at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge have joined a group of leading industry and research partners to determine the feasibility of using environmentally friendly antioxidants (AO) extracted from rosemary plants for the production of cosmetics, plastics and lubricants.

NIAB Scientists Set Up Experimental Site in Moldova

A team of top scientists from the Cambridge-based National Institute of Agricultural Botany has set up an experimental farm in a village in Moldova, Europe’s poorest country.

The local mayor and landowner, as well as villagers from the community of Burlacu, (which has a population of 1,200), joined in the project. During the week long visit, two polytunnels were erected – and another nine were given to growers for food production and extending seasonal growth.

Leading Plant Breeder John Bingham Opens New Cambridge Labs

Pioneering plant breeder John Bingham CBE, FRS yesterday (23 June) officially opened a new laboratory named after him at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Huntingdon Road, Cambridge.

Mr Bingham’s innovative approach to plant breeding contributed considerably to establishing winter wheat as the mainstay of UK crop production. Mr Bingham, who was based at the Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge for 40 years, lives in Norfolk where he farms.

Leading Australian Scientist Outlines His Cutting Edge Work at NIAB

A leading Australian scientist, Prof Geoff Fincher, described his pioneering research on functional genomics during a visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge.

His study on plant cell walls could have considerable benefits for human health by reducing high cholesterol and some types of colon rectal cancers, as well as lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. It could also lead to considerable savings on water in industrial uses.

NIAB Variety Award Cup 2008 Presented to Nickerson

Nickerson, a leading plant breeding and seed development company, was presented with the coveted NIAB Variety Cup 2008 for its winter barley Pearl at Cereals 2008.

The annual award is made by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany to the breeder of a variety that has demonstrated merit by making a major contribution to sustained crop productivity through improved quality, disease resistance and grower return.

NIAB Welcomes Mayor to Cambridge Site

NIAB was pleased to welcome the Mayor of Cambridge, Coun Jenny Bailey, on a fact finding visit at its leading plant science research organisation in the city.

She met some of their key scientists who are researching cutting edge plant breeding projects, many of which it is hoped will lead to new crops being produced to feed the world’s expanding population, particularly in developing countries and areas of drought stress.

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