Research community

Plant Engineering Biology

We are leading a UKRI Doctoral Focal Award training postgraduates in plant engineering biology, along with the University of Cambridge, the John Innes Centre and the University of Bristol. Plant BioDesign is focused on engineering plant biosystems for clean growth, resilient food systems and environmental solutions as well as the development of novel approaches and technologies for engineering plants efficiently and effectively.

We host an annual Plant Engineering Biology Symposium to bring plant bioengineers in academia and industry together to share ideas and discuss science as well as legislation and ethical issues.

BioYorkshire

BioYorkshire is a regional, innovative public-private partnership, between the University of York, Biorenewables Development Centre, Fera Science, Askham Bryan College and a range of private sector partners. It aims to harness the unique capabilities of the York and North Yorkshire region to create a leading bioeconomy cluster, using the region’s world-class science base to deliver profitable bio-based chemicals, materials, and fuel production, as well as productive food, feed, farming and wider land-use practices that support planet positive goals.

Professor Ian Graham is the Academic Director of BioYorkshire, and Dr Caroline Calvert is the BioYorkshire Project Manager.

York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster

Part of BioYorkshire, the Bioeconomy Cluster brings together businesses, researchers, educators, investors, and local government to create an integrated innovation ecosystem that accelerates research, commercialisation, and business growth. We aim to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, nurture start-ups, and attract further investment and companies to the region, leveraging the economic benefits of geographic concentration.

We are funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Business Innovation Fund and operate a networking organisation for anyone interested in the bioeconomy.

Join us and learn more about the different special interest groups we operate.

C-SPIRIT

The Center for Sustainable Plant Innovation and Resilience Through International Teamwork (or C-SPIRIT) is a Global Center that unites researchers from the United States, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom to tackle agricultural challenges and develop sustainable farming solutions. Focused on stabilizing global food production in the face of shifting climate conditions and environmental stress, the center explores natural products from plants and microbes to improve soil and plant health, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and productivity.

​Our vision is to stabilize global food production and foster sustainable agricultural practices through cutting-edge research into plant resilience mechanisms, focusing on the natural chemistry of plants and microbes.

BBSRC Networks in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (NIBB)

We led two of the Phase II NIBB:

• High Value Biorenewables Network (HVB): this network was led by CNAP's Professor Ian Graham, and co-directed by Professor Anne Osbourn of the John Innes Centre and Dr Joe Ross of the Biorenewables Development Centre.
• Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet): this network was led by CNAP's Professor Neil Bruce, and co-directed by Professor Patricia Thornley (director of Supergen Bioenergy), Professor David Leak (University of Bath), Professor Dimitris Charalampopoulos (University of Reading), and Professor Michele Stanley (Scottish Academy of Marine Sciences).

We also hosted two of the Phase I NIBB: High Value Chemicals from Plants Network (HVCfP) and Lignocellulosic Biorefinery Network (LBNet).