Maria joined Niab in 2025 as a PhD student under the CTP-SAI studentship programme. She is part of Dr. Stephanie Swarbreck’s group and works closely with Dr. Sarah Roberts to investigate the mechanisms underpinning determinacy and nitrogen requirements in potato crops.
Sarah is interested in understanding the interactions between potato agronomy and physiology. She completed her PhD, from the University of Cambridge and funded by CUPGRA, in 2020 on capturing variation in canopy development and understanding how agronomic practices affect canopy growth.
Huw is the technical manager for the United Kingdom Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCVPS) monitoring UK cereal rust and mildew populations, and detecting any changes that may have an adverse effect on UK agriculture.
Bethany is a post-doc in the quantitative genetics group, part of the plant genetics department at NIAB. In her current role, Bethany works in various projects spanning a wide array of crops including wheat, herbage, Gynandropsis gynandra, Aegilops tauschii, Tef and barley. Her focus lies in genome-wide association studies, designing and analysing trials and other statistical analyses to uncover novel insights into crop genetics.
Joe has over 10 years applied agricultural research experience, with expertise in soil science, machinery and agronomy. With a mixed background in commercial and academic roles, Joe has a strong interest in how farm management approaches are brought together into resilient farming systems.
Mark joined Niab in July 2024 as Head of Agronomy Services.
He leads Niab's team of 20 agronomists and consultants who deliver technical and consultancy services across the country. This includes overseeing the translation of Niab’s wide-ranging research programme, including member-funded agronomy trials, into on-farm advice to support productive, resilient, regenerative farming for members, customers and stakeholders.
Richard has worked in NIAB’s wheat pre-breeding department since its inception in 2007. He played a significant role in producing two Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) populations which have provided a valuable resource for dissecting trait genetic architecture.
I am a research professional with a PhD in plant molecular biology. My passion lies in using molecular and bioinformatics tools to explore the interactions between plants and their environment, focusing on enhancing crop production and sustainability. Currently, I contribute to innovative project as a Plant Molecular Biologist at NIAB, focusing on regulatory elements in crops. My expertise includes various molecular techniques, biochemistry, and plant physiology.
