NEWS: Belinda Clarke joins Niab Board

Dr Clarke is the Director of Agri-TechE, the UK’s longest-established and largest network connecting farmers and growers with researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs and investors. A University of Cambridge graduate, she has a PhD in plant biochemistry following her research on starch production in peas and potatoes at the John Innes Centre. She is a Nuffield Scholar, a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Councils, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, a Chartered Biologist, and a qualified business coach. 

Her previous roles include as a Non-Executive Director of Agrimetrics, formerly one of the UK’s Agri-Tech Centres, a member of the Council of UKRI-BBSRC and a Trustee of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (2015-2021). In 2021 Dr Clarke was awarded the Sir Timothy Colman Prize for “outstanding leadership in the agri-tech sector” and she was among the ‘Women of the Year 2022’ cohort. In 2024 she was awarded an OBE for services to agri-technologies and farming in the King’s Birthday Honours List. 

Niab Board Chair Dr David Buckeridge said: “Belinda’s appointment is a great opportunity for Niab. We already have an excellent working relationship with Agri-TechE and Belinda knows Niab extremely well, from our research programmes and service provision through to connections with individual staff. But, more importantly, as Niab launches its new strategic plan in 2026 Belinda’s experience across the UK agritech sector will help guide us through the process. This will ensure Niab remains at the forefront of translating agricultural innovation into products and services essential for increasing the prosperity and sustainability of farmers and growers throughout the UK.” 

Dr Clarke said: “I am so proud to have been invited to join the Niab Board and am excited to be working with my fellow Directors to help Niab achieve its growth objectives. I am a passionate advocate of the translation of plant science for the benefit of the industry and Niab is ideally placed to achieve that.”

Based in Cambridge and in East Malling, Kent, with field stations throughout England, Niab employs more than 400 staff and provides research findings, scientific services and technical advice to a diverse customer base that includes farmers and growers, Government departments, research councils, levy bodies, charitable trusts and the agri-food industry.

About the Niab Board

Niab is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, set up in 1996 when the Institute was privatised, and is subject to Charity Commission regulations. The Board of Directors are the trustees of the charity but appoint the Chief Executive (CEO) to manage the day-to-day operations. The Board is made up of non-executive directors with a wide range of pertinent experience and skills from the business and science sectors who, in conjunction with the CEO, establish and develop Niab’s policies and objectives. They are also a valuable resource in contributing and supporting new business ideas and opportunities. Although a not-for-profit organisation, truly independent and unaffiliated to anyone, the Board also has a duty to ensure that Niab is profitable and meets its obligations to its stakeholders.

Current members of the Niab Board include: Dr David Buckeridge (chair), Dr Helen Ferrier, Robert Lowson, Trish Malarkey, Jonathan Regan, Guy Smith, Richard Taylor and Professor Ian Puddephat.