The John Innes Centre (JIC) is a world-leading research institute based in Norwich, UK. JIC is part of the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU) and is named after its founder, plant breeder and geneticist Sir John Innes. The centre undertakes fundamental and strategic research to solve problems affecting crops worldwide. JIC also trains scientists from around the world, supports UK science policy and engages with the public to communicate its work.
JIC was founded in 1930 by Dr John Beardmore as the Institute for Plant Industry at Merton Park near London. It moved to Bayfordbury Manor near Hertford in 1947, before relocating again to Norwich in 1960 where it remains today. JIC has been a key player in some of the most important discoveries in plant science over the past 80 years. These include:
• demonstrating that genes are made of DNA
• helping create the first genetically modified crop plants
• playing a leading role in sequencing the genomes of several crop plants including wheat, barley and oilseed rape
• providing critical insights into how plants adapt to their environment
Today, JIC’s internationally-renowned scientists are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture such as climate change, food security and sustainable intensification. They are also working on new ways to improve crops for health and nutrition. The centre operates across four main themes: Crop genetics; Crop physiology; Microbiology & infection; Cell & developmental biology Underpinning all this work is a strong commitment to training the next generation of plant scientists through our vibrant postgraduate programme