Natural Resources Institute (University of Greenwich)

The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich is a specialist research, development and education organisation with a focus on food, agriculture, environment, and sustainable livelihoods. Our work focuses on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is closely aligned with BBSRC’s mission and strategic priorities on agriculture and food security and bioscience for health. We have strong global partnerships, especially in the developing world, ensuring that our work has sustainable impact. Our current work addresses global challenges including:
food security and nutrition, food loss, waste reduction and adding value to crops, Sustainable Agricultural Intensification, climate change and variability, plant, animal and human health, land governance and rural finance, sustainable trade and responsible business and value chain development. NRI’s work has recently won two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education: one in 2015 for its work on the cassava value chain, and in 2019 for innovations in sustainable pest management.

ACHIEVING INTERDISCIPLINARITY

Interdisciplinarity is intrinsic to NRI’s work and approach, and to our unique team composed of natural and social scientists and specialised professional services staff. Interdisciplinary research is promoted throughout the Institute, especially through the NRI Development Programmes, our thematic areas of work which respond to significant global challenges. Our BBSRC DTP research consortium incorporates areas from all NRI departments and Research Groups.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

NRI continues to grow its research in biosciences and related fields. NRI has recently launched the ‘Food and Nutrition Security Initiative’ (FaNSI), through which the Institute is investing in new staff, expanded partnerships, PhD students and enhanced infrastructure to address the challenges of food and nutrition insecurity, especially in Africa. FaNSI is supported by Research England’s ‘Expanding Excellence in England’ (E3) fund. This builds on NRI’s unique facilities including our quarantine insectaries and glasshouse facilities, and research facilities on fresh produce storage under controlled conditions at the Produce Quality Centre.