BBSRC-NCG in Plant Phenotyping
Lead Research Organisation:
Aberystwyth University
Department Name: IBERS
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
This project offers UK plant scientists access to a number of automated or high resolution imaging platforms. A large plant platform uses robotics to deliver growing plants such as wheat, barley, oats and oil seed rape, to gravimetric watering stations and a series of high resolution imaging stations for non-destructive sequential recording of growth, physiological and developmental parameters. A small plant platform provides similar facilities for small plants such as the model plant Arabidopsis and seedlings. Ancillary facilities include high resolution photophysiology, seed phenotyping and molecular analysis. In conjunction with local expertise in biological image analyses provided by the Vision, Graphics and Visualisation Group in the AU Department of Computer Science the raw data and associated experimental metadata will be processed to extract trait data in a non-subjective highly quantitative manner that can then be related to the underlying genomic makeup of the individuals. The NPPC will utilise international data standards, database architectures and query interfaces appropriate for handling processed plant phenomics data. The raw data will also be stored and will therefore be available for future analysis either by the investigator or, after publication, by other interested scientists.
Planned Impact
unavailable
Organisations
- Aberystwyth University (Lead Research Organisation)
- John Innes Centre (Collaboration)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA (Collaboration)
- Massey University (Collaboration)
- Anhui Normal University (Collaboration)
- Aarhus University (Collaboration)
- NRC Canada (Collaboration)
- Huazhong Agricultural University (Collaboration)
- Arizona State University (Collaboration)
- U.S. Department of Energy (Collaboration)
- Wageningen University & Research (Collaboration)
- Agricultural University of Iceland (Collaboration)
Publications
Adamski NM
(2021)
Ectopic expression of Triticum polonicum VRT-A2 underlies elongated glumes and grains in hexaploid wheat in a dosage-dependent manner.
in The Plant cell
Allwood JW
(2019)
Rapid UHPLC-MS metabolite profiling and phenotypic assays reveal genotypic impacts of nitrogen supplementation in oats.
in Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society
Bell J
(2017)
Watching plants grow - a position paper on computer vision and Arabidopsis thaliana
in IET Computer Vision
Betekhtin A
(2020)
In Vitro Tissue Culture in Brachypodium: Applications and Challenges.
in International journal of molecular sciences
Biernaskie, J.M.
(2025)
Uncovering the genetic basis of competitiveness and the potential for cooperation in plant groups
in Proc. R. Soc. B .
Briglia N
(2020)
Image-Based Assessment of Drought Response in Grapevines
in Frontiers in Plant Science
Calderwood A
(2021)
Total FLC transcript dynamics from divergent paralogue expression explains flowering diversity in Brassica napus.
in The New phytologist
Camargo AV
(2018)
Functional Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Associated With Plant Performance in a Wheat MAGIC Mapping Population.
in Frontiers in plant science
| Description | What were the most significant achievements from the award? Objective 1: Access Provision. We have provided access, are are in the process of providing access, to over 12 research groups within the UK including several which have applied for independent funding (10 confirmed and >5 more in progress). We have also granted access to a number of overseas researchers (via EPPN2020 grant or bilateral grants) who have UK collaborators and these accesses have or will be funded via European and other international /collaborative funding. This has resulted in significant contributions to over 20 peer reviewed research papers and the establishment of a number of productive international collaborations between the UK and international phenomics community. Objective 2: Deployment of novel phenotyping technologies to UK crops. Non-contact non-destructive sensor technologies have been applied, in some cases also developed, to acquire phenotypic data from mapping and diversity populations of key UK crops such as wheat, brassica and a number of forage crops. We have explored the interaction between genetic variation and environmental variation in the manifestation of key traits of agronomic importance with a view to dissecting their mechanistic basis. This has involved the optimisation of commercial phenotyping platforms or in the case for roots and forages, the complete redesign of the system. A number of novel software tools have also been created and made available. Objective 3: Phenotyping e-infrastructure and best practice. To promote data re-use (as occurs widely in genomics but rarely in phenotyping), several large datasets have been released immediately after publication for re-analysis by other groups. The first of these studies are being to appear in journals (Duan et al 2018). Objective 4: Coordination of UK phenotyping activities nationally and internationally. We are involved in or have established a number of networks and collaborations. These include EU infrastructure initiatives such as EPPN2020 and EMPHASIS and the UK-China virtual centre for Plant Phenotypying. We have also provided advice to others in terms of establishing local phenotyping facilities. Notable science findings include 1. novel root QTL in forage grasses and clovers 2. phosphate response QTL in white clover 3. longitudinal phenotyping of QTL in wheat 4. competitiveness phenotyping in wheat and Arabidopsis, including identification of candidate genes providing a mechanistic explanation 5. Neural network identification of pod traits in Arabidopsis and Brassica 6. developement of bespoke software and tools for several crops, including forages, small grain cereals (wheat, oats and rice) 7. phenotype data re-use pipelines have been established and verified. |
| Exploitation Route | A detailed understanding of the genetic basis of trait variation as a function of development and environmental variation is a key requirement for design resiliant crops for the future. We have developed time-resolved non-contact methods for measuring plant performance that allows us to ascertain how events or treatments early in the life of the plant are translated into effects on yeild. Thus the same stress (or treatment) can have different effects depending on the time of application and on the previous history of the individual. Understanding the cellular, molecular and physiological mechanisms will accelerate crop improvement and a number of companies have approached us for joint projects, some of which have been approved and are commencing. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Education Environment |
| Description | The NPPC has continued to provide access to advanced automated and deep phenotyping facilities to UK plant researchers and industry. The NCG grant has provided direct, and usually rapid, access to platforms and high resolution non-destructive phenotyping for pilot projects, which are expected to lead to uplift funding of more substantial projects or contribute to papers. Demand has been significant on all platforms and we will attempt to continue to offer small scale pilot projects after the NCG funding ends in March 2019. We have exceeded the target of 6 additional new external customers per year for each of the 2 years of the award and several of these have led to funded grant applications. As of March 2019, the centre will have achieved a degree of sustainability into the future. The current funding portfolio is diverse, ranging from BBSRC strategic LoLa to Innovate, UK Space Agency, Leverhulme Trust and EU grants. In 2022, the centre also received funding from the DFF (Denmark) and the USDA (USA). The NPPC has contributed to work by industrial partners varying from plant breeding to small start ups. The centre continues to play a key role in science outreach, both to stakeholders, the educational sector and the wider public, showcasing BBSRC funded interdisciplinary science that marries plant biology and agronomy with computer / data science, robotics and AI. Most recently (post-pandemic) the centre has been the topic of radio and TV shows, including filming for BBC1 CountryFile programme in March 2023. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | A China-UK joint phenomics consortium to dissect the basis of crop stress resistance in the face of climate change |
| Amount | £30,612 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R02118X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2018 |
| End | 06/2023 |
| Description | Applying remote sensing to improve nitrogen use efficiency for potato breeding and commercial production: Agri-tech in China: Newton Network + (ATCNN) |
| Amount | £7,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Newton Fund |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2018 |
| End | 02/2019 |
| Description | BBSRC Core Strategic Programme in Resilient Crops: Grasslands Gogerddan |
| Amount | £4,178,580 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BBS/E/W/0012843D |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2017 |
| End | 03/2023 |
| Description | Better Bread: Enhancing flour quality including the incorporation of legumes |
| Amount | £737,688 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10074325 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2025 |
| Description | Brassica Rapeseed And Vegetable Optimisation (BRAVO) |
| Amount | £4,392,784 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/P003095/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 12/2021 |
| Description | Deep learning-based phenotyping of crop seed banks and herbaria |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 2474235 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2020 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | Developing Industrial Hemp for Pharmaceutical Production (PHARMHEMP) |
| Amount | £1,082,905 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Government of Wales |
| Department | Welsh European Funding Office |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2020 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | Dissecting climate robustness for sustain-able wheat production (SUSWHEAT) |
| Amount | 11,045,079Â kr. (DKK) |
| Organisation | Independent Research Fund Denmark |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Denmark |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | Embodied time: attuning to a rhythmic present |
| Amount | £5,247,169 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2021 |
| End | 09/2028 |
| Description | European Plant Phenotyping Network 2020 |
| Amount | € 5,000,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Union |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 05/2017 |
| End | 01/2021 |
| Description | Genetic tools in Brachypodium distachyon to identify genes regulating bioenergy relevant traits in grasses |
| Amount | $0 (USD) |
| Organisation | U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| Description | Healthy Oats |
| Amount | € 2,186,398 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 82128 |
| Organisation | Government of Wales |
| Department | Welsh European Funding Office |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2021 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | Horizon Europe Guarantee. Legendary: Ecosystem services of incorporating legumes into crop rotations |
| Amount | £4,100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10089689 |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 03/2029 |
| Description | Miscanthus AI- Plant selection and breeding for Net Zero |
| Amount | £502,950 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/Y005430/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2023 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | NASPA |
| Amount | € 278,264 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | NASPA |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Department | Interreg : European Territorial Co-operation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 01/2021 |
| Description | NRC-UKRI Pilot Programme. Prototyping Root System Architecture in Avena: Technologies for Environmental Sustainability and Food Security |
| Amount | £133,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S020926/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2019 |
| End | 10/2019 |
| Description | NRC-UKRI Pilot Programme. Prototyping Root System Architecture in Avena: Technologies for Environmental Sustainability and Food Security |
| Amount | £55,323 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S020926/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2019 |
| End | 10/2019 |
| Description | Partnering Award |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R02118X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 02/2021 |
| Description | PeaProtein: Breeding peas for the plant-based protein market |
| Amount | £755,704 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10046667 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 03/2028 |
| Description | PlantRecombination |
| Amount | £158,882 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 663830-AU-110 |
| Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 02/2021 |
| Description | Precision drone platform for NetZero Agriculture and Land Use (SMART Flexible Innovation Support) |
| Amount | £191,628 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Welsh Assembly |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | Research Grant |
| Amount | £258,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RPG-2017-440 |
| Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2018 |
| End | 10/2021 |
| Description | The Genetics of Oat Seedling Response to Abiotic Stress; scheme: USDA-ARS Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NACA) |
| Amount | $108,798 (USD) |
| Funding ID | 58-2050-1-009-F |
| Organisation | U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 11/2022 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | Towards the use of AI for Appraisal and Exploitation of Hand-written Research Data |
| Amount | £9,536 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | URF |
| Organisation | Aberystwyth University |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Wheat floral organ size and its effects on grain size |
| Amount | £47,026 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S016538/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2019 |
| End | 06/2022 |
| Title | ABR6 x Bd21 Mapping Population |
| Description | Recombination Inbred population of over 100 lines, each genotyped at the F4/5 and F8/9 generations. has been shared with several labs in UK and USA |
| Type Of Material | Biological samples |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Grant Award 2019 from JGI USA for Community Project, based on this resource |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5210709/ |
| Title | Aberystwyth Leaf Evaluation Dataset |
| Description | We are releasing the dataset acquired to support the work of the EPSRC funded project "Dynamic Modelling of Plant Growth with Computer Vision" (grant code EP/LO17253/1) in the hope that its availability will help further advance the state of the art in the use of image analysis for plant sciences. It is a visible light, top down, timelapse image dataset of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). It incorporates the original images, some with leaf-level ground truth annotations, harvested plant ground truth data and scanned images together with supporting software. 4 sets of 20 Arabidopsis Thaliana plants have been grown in trays Images of each tray are taken in a 15 minute timelapse sequence using a robotic greenhouse system Periodically, plants from each tray are sacrificed to record destructive measurements A subset of these images have been hand-annotated to provide leaf-based image ground truth. In total, there are 56 annotated ground truth images containing 916 hand-marked up individual arabidopsis plants We also release software to help with the analysis of these images |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2016 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | publications resulting from this dataset, produced in NPPC, include arXiv:1611.06880 and arXiv preprint arXiv:1904.03124 |
| URL | https://zenodo.org/record/168158 |
| Title | Additional file 1 of Non-destructive, high-content analysis of wheat grain traits using X-ray micro computed tomography |
| Description | Additional file 1. MATLAB Image processing pipeline. This file contains all image processing code and instructions explaining input and output as well as usage of our method. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | not yet |
| URL | https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_1_of_Non-destructive_high-conte... |
| Title | Additional file 3 of Non-destructive, high-content analysis of wheat grain traits using X-ray micro computed tomography |
| Description | Additional file 3: Table S2. Dataset obtained for the same wheat spike scanned at different resolutions as indicated. No significant difference for p |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | the dataset has been used for subsequent grant capture |
| URL | https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_3_of_Non-destructive_high-conte... |
| Title | Analysis of cereal grain colour |
| Description | Software in Matlab has been developed to analyse dimensional data and colour from scanned images of cereal grains. It automatically separates seed from background, omits seeds and labels which touch the edge of the image, and touching seeds from the analysis, then provides a table of individual seed dimensions (length, width and area) and mean colour (taking acount of the scale of RGB colour) and provides summary data for each image. It has facilities to adjust scaling appropriately if smaller objects, e.g. groats are being scanned and after calibration can automatically correct for scanner resolution settings and specific scanner characteristics. Once a wide range of colour data has been collected classifiers will be developed for the varios colour classes found. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This tool is now being used routinely by the IBERS oat breeding team |
| Title | Analysis of cereal grain traits using X-ray micro computed tomography |
| Description | This dataset is from an experiment ran at the National Plant Phenomics Centre, Wales. Using a new and novel CT analysis method which is linked on this record |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | not yet |
| Title | Analysis of cereal grain traits using X-ray micro computed tomography |
| Description | software for trait extraction |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | not yet |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/microCT_grain_analyser |
| Title | Asparagus Crop Model |
| Description | A model for the growth and production of Asparagus has been developed based on literature information, and is currently being re-paramterised for production in Peru as part of a UKSA IPP programme to increase the use of UKSA remote sensing information in developing countries. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The model has already been used to communicate our approach to companies operating in the field in Nazca, Peru. |
| Title | BRAVO target sequence capture V3 |
| Description | This data set contains the bait sequences for a sequence capture library targeting specific genes in Brassica ssp.. Source sequences have been manually selected and processed with BaitLibraryBuilder (https://github.com/steuernb/BaitLibraryBuilder). |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | the dataset has been used for subsequent publications and grant applications |
| URL | https://zenodo.org/record/4473283 |
| Title | Collection of Clover/Grass Sward Images with ground truth |
| Description | A collection of images of 144 plots containing grass -clover mixtures from before cutting in early July 2016 to just after cutting in early August 2016 with frequent intermediate dates. Ground truth data for dry weight separation of species is available at both harvests. Individual replicated plots have a range of varieties of grass and clover and some grass only plots. The data set is intended to allow development and testing of methods for monitoring presence and persistence of clover from images. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Inital develolpment of the approach has been demonstrated, and sets of images have been distributed. |
| Title | Data from: Uncovering the genetic basis of competitiveness, and the potential for cooperation, in plant groups |
| Description | Crop productivity was transformed by incorporating dwarfing genes that made plants smaller and less competitive (more cooperative). Beyond such major shifts in plant size, however, it is not clear how much variation in competitiveness remains and how to find its genetic basis. We performed plant density experiments, using 484 lines of the Arabidopsis thaliana Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population, to compare methods for mapping the genetic basis of plant competitiveness. We first found that a major dwarfing gene, the erecta allele, caused reduced competitiveness and higher group productivity. Then, measuring competitiveness more generally, we found: (i) extensive variation in generic measures of competitiveness that extended beyond the effects of the erecta allele; (ii) a novel genomic region underlying variation in competitiveness; and (iii) that some measures of competitiveness were more useful than others. Our results show how modern genomic resources, including multi-parent populations, could uncover hidden genes for more cooperative crop plants. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.rbnzs7hnp |
| Title | DeepPod |
| Description | Hamidinekoo A; Garzón-Martínez GA; Ghahremani M; Corke F; Zwiggelaar R; Doonan JH; Lu C (2020): Supporting data for "DeepPod: A Convolutional Neural Network Based Quantification of Fruit Number in Arabidopsis" GigaScience Database. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Being used as the basis of a Brassica pod deeplearning approach |
| URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.5524/100704 |
| Title | DeepPod (Aberystwyth Research Portal Dataset 2020) |
| Description | Supporting data for "DeepPod: a convolutional neural network-based quantification of fruit number in Arabidopsis." |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Too soon |
| Title | Meiosis in Allopolyploid Arabidopsis suecica |
| Description | Cytological images for Nibau et al, Meiosis in Allopolyploid Arabidopsis suecica, 2022, The Plant Journal. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | too soon |
| URL | https://aberystwyth.elsevierpure.com/en/datasets/107b344b-d0d0-450f-b24f-dcfd2131b640 |
| Title | Using Computer Vision to estimate Sphagnum colony density in the field |
| Description | This dataset contains all the images used to develop an automated software able to calculate Sphagnum moss capitula density in the field as described in the linked paper. The images were acquired with a smartphone in the field and include images from 5 different Sphagnum species and 3 different sites as outlined in the read me file. The images are provided in a jpg format. Image information as well as the raw data obtained by image analysis using the developed software are also included as an excel file with 4 separate sheet. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | mentioned in subsequent grant applications |
| URL | https://aberystwyth.elsevierpure.com/en/datasets/9ba4df8f-2d28-4bce-b9b8-ec6368b636e0 |
| Title | µCT imaging raw data and data analysis of small grain cereals and their wild relatives |
| Description | micro CT raw data files (pre-processed tiffs) and image analysis files of grain and spike morphological traits (.csv). From an NPPC project and available via a University DOI |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | not yet |
| Description | BioLumic |
| Organisation | Massey University |
| Department | Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have developed dynamic phenotyping protocols and data analysis routines that are being evaluated for use in NZ, on research topics that overlap with core IBERS/NPPC research areas in grassland research, seed biology and photophysiology. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Treatments for plants/seeds that exploit a deep knowledge of photophysiology but have a long term effect on plant production |
| Impact | Invited visit and seminars at Massey University, NZ, with exchanges of ESRs planned |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | China-UK Phenomics |
| Organisation | Huazhong Agricultural University |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have established a MOU and plan a virtual Centre focused on crop phenotyping and genetics |
| Collaborator Contribution | We have established a MOU and plan a virtual Centre focused on crop phenotyping and genetics |
| Impact | first manuscript submitted to Frontiers in Plant Science; BBSRC partnering award, 2018 |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Community Science Project |
| Organisation | U.S. Department of Energy |
| Department | Genome-Enabled Plant Biology for Determination of Gene Function |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | we provided samples from grass to DOE |
| Collaborator Contribution | they provided sequence information on genomes and transcriptomes |
| Impact | manuscript in advanced draft |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Data and model parameterisation |
| Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration on data collected within the remit of MODCARBOSTRESS project to optimise the research outcomes. We are providing data and analytical expertise to this. |
| Collaborator Contribution | WUR are providing their data for further analysis, which is a collaborative enterprise. WUR are also providing expertise on expt design in the context of spatially constrained conveyor phenotyping systems |
| Impact | This collaboration will enhance the accuracy of predictive models of photosynthesis in wheat and genetic models in various species. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Island Oats |
| Organisation | Agricultural University of Iceland |
| Country | Iceland |
| PI Contribution | new collaboration on developing oats for Iceland and understanding the physiology of key traits |
| Collaborator Contribution | Field trials and networking meeting established |
| Impact | Succesful application to NERC Arctic Networking Call |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | John Innes Centre |
| Organisation | John Innes Centre |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We provide phenotyping expertise for a funded BBSRC LoLa project on Brassicas |
| Collaborator Contribution | They provide a variety of other expertises and germ plasm |
| Impact | Funded BBSRC sLoLa; links to stakeholders in industry and policy |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Maricopa |
| Organisation | Arizona State University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contribution to an international workshop and to a grant application aimed at understanding the effect of intermittent shade stress on growth and yield |
| Collaborator Contribution | Possibility to host experiments related to MODCARBOSTRESS at the outdoor facilities at Marocopia. |
| Impact | Expression of Interest submitted to the IWYP, which was accepted for a full grant application |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Research collaboration with Aarhus University |
| Organisation | Aarhus University |
| Department | Department of Food Science |
| Country | Denmark |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The purpose of the visit was to investigate photorespiration and the quantum yield of photosynthesis in varieties of wheat in relation to abiotic stresses. This includes setting up the capability to make these measurements and providing training of these techniques and analysis to their current staff and students. The purpose of this research is to investigate variation in photorespiration, and also to provide new in-vivo constants to more accurately parameterise the fundamental model of photosynthesis. We supplied the experienced personnel and gas analysis equipment to make the measurements. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Aarhus University provided technical support, glasshouse and controlled environment facilities to the collaboration. |
| Impact | No outputs as yet. However there are two manuscripts in preparation. Outcomes from this research will be used to parameterise models for further work. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Root Phenotyping |
| Organisation | NRC Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | the aim of this project is to compare root phenotyping approaches being used in Canada and UK, with a focus on oat germplasm. NPPC will utilise cost effective high throughput methods |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Canadian side brings additional germplasm and high resolution 3D root imaging approaches |
| Impact | not yet |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Seedling Emergence |
| Organisation | U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Detailed screening of association mapping population of oats for seedlng emergence under a range of drought stress conditions |
| Collaborator Contribution | GWAS analysis |
| Impact | in progress |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Wanneng Yang |
| Organisation | Huazhong Agricultural University |
| Department | College of Veterinary Medicine |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration has involved exchanges and application for partenering award |
| Collaborator Contribution | They have provided expertise in computer vision and phenotyping, Nanjing and HZAU have contributed travel and accommodation costs. HZAU have seconded senior staff to AU for one year and more likely to follow during the duration of the collaboration. HZAU spin-out company provided specialised equipment and software at cost to facilitate the project |
| Impact | Frontiers in Plant Science and J Ex Bot papers; BBSRC partnering award, 2018; novel machine learning software developed for feature recognition and quantification |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Ying Wang Anhui Normal University |
| Organisation | Anhui Normal University |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Training in genetics and phenotyping technologies |
| Collaborator Contribution | Experience in water stress tolerance |
| Impact | ongoing |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Title | DeepPod Annotation Toolbox |
| Description | The annotation toolbox (also included in DeepPod project) has been registered in SciCrunch as RRID:SCR 017413 |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Too soon |
| Title | DeepPod Project |
| Description | MATLAB |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Too soon |
| URL | https://github.com/AzmHmd/DeepPod.git |
| Title | Gravimetrics Software |
| Description | This software provides the control and data acquistion system for a modular systam that allows controlled watering of plants. The system runs on RaspyberryPi microcomputers and is suitable for implementation by schools and smaller research groups. This cost-effective phenotyping system was produced with the aim of widing access to phenotyping technologies and providing a training platform for introducing biologists to systems integration. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Two papers have utilised the system and several more projects have utilised it. |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/Gravimetrics |
| Title | ISQ-Reader |
| Description | A modified version of the readISQ function written by Johan Karlsson. Improvements include: Reads full stacks by default 30% faster file reading Balances gray levels of CT images Data is instantly usable |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | The modified form of this function has enabled better performance in the microCT_grain_analyser. |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/ISQ-Reader |
| Title | PAT64V3_cp |
| Description | This software partially analyses images taken by the Medium to Large dynamic phenotyping platform at the NPPC. This software is based on several earlier versions of PAT64V3 in order to correctly analyse images taken with white or black backgrounds. PAT64V3_cp will calculate things like the height of the plant, as well as the plant area presented to the camera. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | This software has been used to analyse images for a few papers. |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/PAT64V3_cp |
| Title | PlantReader |
| Description | An augmentation of our Lemnatec Plant Scanalyzer with Nikon DSLR cameras. A Raspberry Pi and Adafruit PN532 detect a Lemnatec car passing in front of the camera, obtain the car's ID and trigger taking a photo. The Nikon's are much higher resolution than the existing cameras and with the use of appropriate filters the cameras can obtain NIR and multi-spectral images. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Contribution to BRAVO data acquisition |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/Portable_Imaging_Rig |
| Title | Portable_Imaging_Rig |
| Description | Software for a portable camera system which can make use of DSLR's using GPhoto2 |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | This software is used to facilitate imaging of plants that are stationary, or otherwise impractical to image on the dynamic phenotyping platforms. |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/Portable_Imaging_Rig |
| Title | Wireless temperature and light logger |
| Description | A moteino based logger for up to five DS1820 temperature sensors and a photodiode light level sensor. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | n/a |
| URL | https://github.com/NPPC-UK/wireless_sensors |
| Title | microCT_grain_analyser |
| Description | The pipeline provides a simple method to segment and extract grain traits from 3D models |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | at least 2 other papers, one published and one accepted subject to modifications, will result from this software, in addition to on going collaborative grants |
| Title | starlight-express-linux |
| Description | C program to control and query the status of a startlight xpress filterwheel. The position of the filterwheel (the filter currently in the optical path) can be controlled via usb with the help of this driver. This type of filterwheel is ordinarily used for amateur astronomy, but could be used to take images of plants with the same camera at different wavelenghts in an automated fashion. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | This software has not yet been used. |
| URL | https://git.plant-phenomics.ac.uk/NPPC/starlight-express-linux |
| Description | 25 plant science undergraduates from Edge Hill Uni |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Visit by 25 plant science undergraduates from Edge Hill Uni, led by Dr Svan Batke |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Agricultural College visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Students from an Agricultural Colleage were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Alternative proteins |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Podcast |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://businessnewswales.com/rural-futures-hub-series-alternative-proteins-and-farming-in-the-futur... |
| Description | Anhui Uni, China |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A tour of the research facilities and a description of the teaching and training activities of the NPPC and the University were provided |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Azerbaijan Ambassador |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The Azerbaijan Ambassador was provided with a tour of the NPPC. He was particularly interested in the ongoing expt on vines from the perspective of their nascent wine industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | BBC Radio Wales interview for What if ... series on climate change |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The series is a chance to highlight ongoing projects with a link to various aspects of climate change. The effect of milder winters was discussed in regard to vernalisation requirement of brassicas (both oilseed rape and vegetables). I was also asked to speculate on how Welsh Agriculture might look in 50 years time. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | BBSRC Seeding award dissemination event, AgriTech-E |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and display of the results from BBSRC Seeding Award. Has led to collaboration with new industry partners and a number of grant proposals including one with INnovate UK which has subsequnetly been funded |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BT Innovation for Wales |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with BT on developing remotely operated drone capability |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Brecon Buffers Project |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | visitors were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | CEUG workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The UK Controlled Environment Association held its annual meeting in Aberystwyth . Tours were provided for the NPPC and a lecture provided to the meeting |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ceug.ac.uk/event/2023-uk-ceug-meeting-at-aberystwyth-university/ |
| Description | Cereals 2018 - 12th-14th June |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Cereals 2018 - 12th-14th June, project represented by IBERS & Senova |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Cereals pitch |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | NPPC director provided a short talk on phenotyping technologies being deployed at Aberystwyth |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Chinese Embassy delegation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The science attachee from the Chinese Embassay was provided with a tour and information on our research and educational activities, including exisiting and proposed links with China |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Climate change interview BBC Wales |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An interview focused on projects associated with climate change. Brassicas are a good illustration of winter temperature effects. Other aspects of climate change we work on are water use efficiency, together with abiotic stresses eg drought and flooding, nutritients, high temperature, salinity. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Coordinator of FoodBioSystems DTP visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit by FBS DTP on fact-finding tour of participating organisations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | CountryFile TV |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The Countryfile team interviewed Dr Fiona Corke on the work of the NPPC and participated in some demonstration activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001kjnb/countryfile-aberystwyth |
| Description | Dame Nia Griffiths under Sec for Wales |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Dame Nia Griffiths under Sec for Wales and accompanying were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Defra Soil Policy Team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Visitors were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Dr Fazhana Ismail |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | visitors from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Malaysia, Department of Agricultural Science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://directory.upsi.edu.my/experts/profile/E24CD285C605A08F |
| Description | Dr Kun visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | From the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, on a fact finding mission |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Dr Maria Vorontsova, Kew |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visiting academic from Kew was provided with tour of NPPC and IBERS. Grass breeding was of particular interest with a view to exploiting native species in tropical countries |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | EdgeHill University Plant Science Student Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | students and accompnaying staff were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Farming Connect regional reps |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Reps from across the UK were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Fascination of plants, Aberaeron |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | NPPC staff ran a stall, aimed at introducing plant biology and crop breeding to the general public. The exhibits were "hands on" and illustrated bio-diversity, adaptation as well as the use of tachnology to study and improve plants/crops |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Germinal Herbage training |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | As part of their annual training program, Germinal personnel were shown the latest developments in clover and forage breeding |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Germinal seed growers Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Event organised by affiliated industrial organisation, where their farmer/growers were able to visit and discuss the technologies utilised in breeding |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Delegation from Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences to discuss next gen phenotyping |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | HZAU, Wuhan |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Meeting in Aberystwyth with Chinese collaborators from HZAU to discuss research projects |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Heritage oats |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Article on heritage oats (in French) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.slate.fr/story/242180/pays-de-galles-avoine-noire-ancestrale-graine-futur-cereales-cultu... |
| Description | IBERS Presentation at American Oat Workers Conference - June 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | IBERS Presentation at American Oat Workers Conference - June 2018 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | ITV-wales interview for "Wales This Week" current affairs programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Interview & filming footage for ITV-wales: 30 minute programme on the use of AI in Wales |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | International group Fuling Li inward investment Welsh Govt |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Fact finding mission by Welsh Govt |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Interview for BBC Countryfile on oat genetic diversity and alternative protein |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Considerable media attention arose from an episode of BBC CountryFile filmed at Gogerddan that covered Genetic Diversity and alternative protein, including insects as human food. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Interview for Welsh TV (FFermio) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2 TV interviews primarily in Welsh, describing the breeding-related research at Aberystwyth University |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Invited talk at meeting on Resilient Crops, Aarhus University, Dec 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This meeting brought together breeders from across North Western Europe with academics (mainly Nordic) to discuss approaches to current and future climatic challenges |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Justin Webb, BBC radio 4 Today |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | NPPC Glasshouse manager was interviewed by Justin Webb, BBC radio 4 Today BreakfastTime outside broadcast. Subsequently, the hit rate on NPPC social media sites was greatly increased and several additional enquiries for further information or access |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Lafan Cymru AgriFood consultants |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Lafan personel were given a tour of the research facilities and discussions held on the type of research projects undertaken |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | NPPC Facebook |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Promotion of phenotyping activitiies , interactions with academic and industrial partners and project outputs |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019 |
| URL | http://facebook.com/NPPCUK/ |
| Description | NPPC twitter feed |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | News items related to the activities in the project and other advanced phenotyping projects are promoted via twitter. we have 300 followers and are regularly tagged by these and others. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://twitter.com/NPPC_UK |
| Description | NPPC website and data portal |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A general website including information on activities at NPPC, platforms available, resources generated in terms of data and software. A secure access portal is provided for transfer of unpublished data between the Centre and users. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019 |
| URL | https://www.plant-phenomics.ac.uk/ |
| Description | NUE-LEG project visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visitors were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | NZ Farmhands (Germinal seedmerchants/growers) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit by forage seed producers from NZ, which has a similar climate and agricultural system to the UK. Aber varieties of forage grass and clovers are distrubuted by seed houses in NZ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | New oat varieties |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Interview on Radio Wales to be broadcast on 15th March 2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Pilgrim Foods |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visitors were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Presentation on Oat Genetic Diversity at 2nd Food Oats Conference Lund, Sweden |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Initiated new collaborations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://foodoatsconference.com/ |
| Description | Prof Hai-Chen Ying et al CAS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | visiting chinese acadmics were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Project involvement in IBERS Centenary of Plant Breeding event 2/7/19 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Project involvement in IBERS Centenary of Plant Breeding event 2/7/19 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | RWS, provided centre piece of IBERS marquee |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | NPPC provided rhizatrons and other phenotyping equipment as the centre piece in the IBERS marqee, with staff to explain the role of new computer assisted technologies in plant improvement and food security |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Radio Wales Science Café interview |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Staff were interviewed by Radio Wales Science Café interview for broadcast |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Rank Prize Fund symposium on "Emerging opportunities and challenges for utilising bioactives from oats" Grassmere. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentations from Catherine Howarth, Irene Griffiths, Marc Loosley, Sara Tudor, Jack Davies and Aiswarya (Ash) Girija. Has led to funding appplications and new collaborations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Royal College of Defense visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Visit by Royal College of Defense personnel interested in sensors and surveillance |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Scandinavian Phenotyping network visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Erik Alexandersson and several colleagues from Nordic region visited to inspect advanced phenomic facilities |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sept 2023 delegation from China |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A group of Chinese Researchers from Nanjing, Wuhan and Shanghai visited for 2 days, gave and listened to seminars |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Tinopolis S4C film crew |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Visit by S4C film team to collect footage on breeding and phenotyping technologies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | UKRI, MEDR, & Welsh Gov |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | visitors were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Valagro, Italy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit by personnel from small biotech company producing bio-stimulants that affect crop response to stresses |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Vietnamese higher education delegation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | A tour and discussion group was organised for the delegation, with a view to informing them about our research and higher level education in AgSci and Biology |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Visit by BBC science and Climate change group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The BBC science and Climate change group were at IBERS/NPPC on a fact-finding visit. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Visit to Forest Research, Rotarua, NZ |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited to a phenotyping workshop that included people from other organisations in NZ and UBC Canada |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Wales Tech week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | We hosted a remotely operated drone for BT, which was flown for the event |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Ystwyth Valley Farmers |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This was one of many farming groups, including Young Farmers groups from across the UK, that have visited NPPC/IBERS over the past several years. The visitors are shown the breeding and phenotyping technologies and other science related topics such as climate change, GM, food science and environmental issues are often discussed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | primary school visits |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 2 local schools, led by an AU computer science lecturer, were given a tour of the research facilities and relevant projects explained and discussed |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | visit Lord Bourne Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Wales Office |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Tour and discussion of the role of the NPPC as a National Facility, and its role in training |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |