Research at NRI
NRI's research falls into the broad areas of agriculture, food, the environment and natural resources management, underpinned by a strong socio-economic capability that enables us to link technologies to social issues and needs. Recent initiatives have seen an increased emphasis on policy analysis in sustainable development that is enhancing programmes in social and institutional development and improving the coherence of research in agricultural policy. Our comparative advantage lies in the wide range of scientific, technical and social science skills that we combine in an interdisciplinary practical approach to solving problems.
Research is carried out by about 65 scientific and technical staff based at the Medway Campus in Chatham but often working overseas. At Medway we have modern laboratories with DEFRA-approved controlled-environment insectaries and greenhouses. These are fully integrated with the University's wider facilities, including a world-class library in tropical agriculture as well as computing and statistical support. All research procedures are covered by ISO 9001:2008 registration.
Most of our research is carried out with partners in developing countries, the EU, Eastern Europe, or elsewhere in the UK. Our partners include most of the Centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), other international organizations, national government and private institutions, international and local NGOs and charities, the private sector, and other universities and research institutes world-wide. NRI is a leading member of AGRINATURA-EEIG.
Research funding currently runs at over £5M per year and comes from a range of sources including major development donors such as DFID, the EU, World Bank, UN organizations and the CFC, international foundations and charities, UK and other government sources, and the UK Research Councils.
A thriving research programme provides the basis for consultancy and training activities. Since NRI joined the University in 1996, over 100 post-graduate students have been registered for MPhil/PhD research degrees. Research also underpins MSc Programmes in Natural Resources and in Food Safety and Quality Management, as well as short courses in specialized areas of agriculture.
NRI-led research projects won the DFID Research Prize in 1999 and again in 2000. The international quality, wider value and impact of NRI's research were further recognized by the award of a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2000. In 2010, the Institute's work on controlling tsetse was recognised by a poll of UK academics as one of the ten most important discoveries to be made in a UK University in the last 60 years.
Further Information
Dr. John Orchard
Director of Research and Enterprise
E-mail: J.E.Orchard@gre.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1634 883741
Fax: +44 (0)1634 883386