A new partnership between Bayer’s Crop Science division and Cambridge-based plant science organisation Niab will see researchers embark upon a series of innovative research projects focused on exploitation of genetic diversity in wheat, control of flowering in strawberry, root symbiosis in wheat, and phenotyping technology.
The five projects, which got under way this autumn, have been funded under the Bayer – Niab Challenge Grant Program, an open innovation challenge created to support innovative science in areas of interest to both organisations. Bayer will provide financial and mentorship resources, with a total award of £100,000 over one year and access to its leading crop science researchers, who will provide guidance as the research progresses.
Dr Phil Taylor, Director of Open Innovation and Outreach for Bayer’s Crop Science division said: “The Bayer – Niab Challenge Grant Program provides an exclusive opportunity for Niab scientists to receive funding for cutting edge ideas and connect with the Bayer team for their execution.
Niab’s expertise in horticultural genetics will be harnessed in a project investigating temperature-dependent flowering regulation in strawberries. Bayer acquired Niab’s long-standing Strawberry Breeding Programme in 2023, enabling its Crop Science division to provide premium genetics combined with innovative crop protection products and digital solutions to growers in the expanding protected strawberry market, with varieties also available for open field production.