Key Researchers
Our programme is led by a team of researchers whose expertise spans environmental science, crop systems, sustainability and food security. As active researchers, they bring cutting-edge knowledge directly into the classroom, ensuring that teaching reflects the latest scientific developments and real-world challenges.
Students benefit from learning alongside academics who are shaping research, collaborating with industry and contributing to policy discussions. Their diverse expertise creates a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment and provides strong supervision and mentorship throughout the course—particularly during the independent research project
Professor Robin AllabyLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Evolution of domesticated plants
-
Reconstruction of palaeoenvironments
- sedaDNA
Professor Gary BendingLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Soil science
- Microbial diversity
- Microbial impact on plant health and nutrient cycling
Dr Dave ChandlerLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Biological Pest Control
- Co-founder of Agri-Tech
- Agricultural entomologist
Professor John ClarksonLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Plant diseases
- Studies onions, carrots, lettuce, and brassicas
- Specialist produce: peas, parsnips, herbs, asparagus, and cut flowers
Professor Rosemary CollierLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Applied entomologist
- VeGIN
- Pest insects in horticulture
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Associate Professor Rob LillywhiteLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Impact of agriculture on the environment
- Carbon footprinting
- Lifecycle assessments
- Healthcare assessments
Professor Ryan MushinskiLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Biogeochemical cycling
- Microbial communities
- Sustainable agricultural interventions
Professor Richard NapierLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Biochemist
- Plant signals
- Plastics in agriculture
- Agri-Tech
- Development of policies in horticulture
Professor Hendrik SchaeferLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Microorganisms
- Pollution cycling
- Molecular biology
- Environment and ecology
Dr Graham TeakleLink opens in a new window
Key Topics
- Crop trait genetics to reduce crop losses
- Oilseed Rape Genetic Improvement Network (OREGIN)
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in conjunction with genetics
- Focus on brassicas, lettuce, onions, and carrots