East Malling Research (EMR), the UK-basedindependent research, development and consultancy provider, has announced that it has been granted 'responsive mode' status by the the Biotechnology and Bioscience Scientific Research Council (BBSRC),
The organisation, which serves the food chain and other sectors of the land-based industry, has said that it willnow be able to bid for funding as an 'independent research organisation' on any of the BBSRC's topics, alongside researchers from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) or Research Council Institutes.
Already approved as a research centre for 'managed mode' projects, which enables EMR to respond to capacity building calls from the BBSRC for specific research projects, the new status will extend the potential of EMR’s research capabilities.
'This is great news for EMR and for the horticultural and ornamentals industries as a whole,' said Mike Solomon, chief executive of EMR. 'The decision comes at a time when DEFRA has announced it will be prioritising spending on British farming and food production, as well as enhancing the environment and biodiversity, and supporting a green economy resilient to climate change.
'EMR is now well placed, thanks to its close working relationships with industry, to undertake strategic research which can then be applied in a real life situation,' Mr Solomon added.
Will Sibley, Chairman of East Malling Trust, the UK’s largest independent provider of perennial crop research, noted: 'We are confident that EMR will now play a greater role in delivering the nation's scientific priorities and supporting the commercial success of the industry.'
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