United Kingdom
November 26, 2008
David Baulcombe, Royal Society
Research Professor and Professor of Botany at the
University of Cambridge, has
joined the Board of the National
Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB).
An award-winning scientist and a Fellow of the Royal Society,
Professor Baulcombe leads a research team credited with
advancing our knowledge of how plants fight disease, and in
particular how a process known as RNA silencing controls a range
of growth and developmental responses in plants.
Welcoming his new role at NIAB, Professor Baulcombe said:
“This is an exciting time for everyone involved in plant
science. There has been a dramatic increase in our genetic
understanding of plants, much of it led by UK scientists,
opening up huge opportunities to improve crop plants for the
benefit of society. This coincides with a time when the need to
boost crop productivity is increasingly recognised at the
highest political levels, not only to feed a rapidly growing
world population but also to cope with the effects of climate
change and develop renewable, plant-based alternatives to a
range of depleting industrial resources.”
“However, there is also a recognition that the research pipeline
which transfers new knowledge into improved crop varieties is
not functioning effectively. Much of the basic research work
takes place in model crop species, and there is a vital missing
link in the translational research needed to turn new knowledge
into material of relevance to UK agriculture.”
“I believe NIAB has a unique contribution to make in this area,
acting as a bridge between basic research discoveries on one
side, and the practical needs of plant breeders, farmers and
consumers on the other,” he said.
Commenting on Professor Baulcombe’s appointment, NIAB chief
executive Dr Tina Barsby said:
“Cambridge is rapidly consolidating its position as the
pre-eminent location for plant science research and innovation.
I believe we will see closer collaboration between researchers
at NIAB and University departments, as well as an expansion of
the thriving network of plant breeding and bioscience
organisations in and around the city.”
“Professor Baulcombe’s appointment to the Board further
strengthens NIAB’s links with those communities, and adds
significantly to our prospects of success in helping to
transform today’s scientific discoveries into tomorrow’s
commercial crops,” she added. |
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