We are extremely grateful to The Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust for their long-standing support to the University of Warwick’s School of Life Sciences. Since 2014, the Trust has generously supported the following projects:

Elizabeth Creak Horticultural Technology Centre  

The Elizabeth Creak Horticultural Technology Centre opened in 2022 with thanks to a generous donation by the Trust. The facility, based at Warwick’s Gibbet Hill Campus, uses cutting edge techniques such as gene-editing to improve vegetable crops. Addressing issues relating to disease resistance, crop yield, adaptability to climate change and nutritional value in horticultural plants, the Centre’s research will help tackle the key global challenges of climate change and feeding the world’s growing population.

Elizabeth Creak Chair in Food Security

With thanks to the Trust’s support, the Elizabeth Creak Chair in Food Security was established in 2016, a position held by Professor Murray Grant. Professor Grant’s research interests are in the interactions of pathogenic and beneficial plant microbes. Professor Grant and his team undertake multidisciplinary research using genetics, molecular biology, metabolomics, imaging, gene editing/genetic manipulation and bioelectrical signaling approaches for new discovery to enable the sustainability of the agriculture industry in the UK and across the globe.

Clyde Higgs Scholarships

Since 2014, the Trust have supported postgraduate scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in the agri-food sector. The Clyde Higgs Scholarships are awarded to students engaging in one of the School’s three Masters Courses, which focus on crop production, food security and environmental bioscience respectively.

Public Engagement

Our most recent event, The Elizabeth Creak Distinguished Guest Lecture, took place on Thursday 24 October. Renowned scientist Professor Tim Benton explored the global challenge of navigating food security in an increasingly volatile world.