Research Programme and Science Organisation

The scope of IGER’s science

In the UK, grassland occupies about 70% of the land area and supports natural plant and animal communities as well as farmed ones, incorporating a wide range of diverse habitats which are exploited in many different ways. IGER’s research focuses on grassland-related sustainable agriculture with strands impinging on production, environment, amenity and biodiversity. It includes studies on soils, plants, animals and micro-organisms and their interactions, and ranges in scale from molecular to landscape. It covers both mechanistic and systems studies and integrates well with the needs of the industry. To deliver this work, IGER has six Research Programmes based at its sites in Wales and Devon. Each Research Programme undertakes contract or commercially sponsored projects, which are underpinned by basic and strategic research supported by BBSRC core funding.

Research Programmes based in Wales:

• Animal Science
• Bioenergy & Biorenewables
• Crop Genomics & Biomathematics
• Plant Breeding & Genetics

Research Programmes based in Devon - North Wyke:

• Delivering Multifunctional Landscapes
• Grassland, Environment & Soil Systems
• Science Management

The Institute is managed through the Institute Executive Committee (Institute Director, Finance & Operations Director, Head of Science Development, Head of North Wyke, Research Programme Leaders, and Institute Business Manager).

Some Research Programmes are also subdivided into Teams, organised on the basis of scientific interest areas. Programme and Team leaders have responsibility for resource allocation, staff management and tactical project management.

The IGER Science Group (comprising Programme and Team Leaders plus the Head of Science Development as chair), has the role of facilitating cross-Programme and cross-site discussions on science strategy and of making recommendations to the Executive Committee for developing the future direction of IGER science.

Central IGER support to the six Research Programmes is provided by the Administration Department.