The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in collaboration with the Scottish Government and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invites proposals for its horticulture and potato initiative.
This initiative aims to support industrially relevant, high-quality research projects on potato and edible horticulture crops.
Six key ares where research is necessary to help improve food security have been identified through discussions between the funders and industry. These are:
- Changing Seasons
- Crop maturity and spoilage
- Soil, pests and pathogens
- Seed quality and vigour
- Resource use efficiency.
Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly encouraged. All projects must have a minimum of one industry collaborator that is expected to have production, manufacturing or research sites in the UK.
£3.5 million is available to support several projects lasting up to five years. Industry partners are not eligible to receive funding and must cover their own costs for participation in the projects.
To aid the development of successful project ideas the BBSRC will be holding a workshop on 28 February to bring together interested companies and researchers. To register, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C6DLDY9 (external link)
For more information on the call, and outcomes of the meetings with industry, please visit the BBSRC website.