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Merging with Horticulture Research International

Originally published 20 October 2003


The University has recently signed a Joint Record of Progress with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Horticulture Research International (HRI). The document sets out the terms of the agreement on the proposed merger of HRI Wellesbourne and Kirton with the University.

The University believes that the world-class excellence of HRI’s research will significantly add to and complement our existing disciplines. It gives us the opportunity to broaden our research base, improve research quality and increase research income.

The proposed transfer date is Thursday 1 April 2004 and key figures from around the University have already been working in collaboration with staff at HRI to start the process of merging both processes and structures. HRI Wellesbourne and Kirton will form a new department within the Faculty of Science. The two sites and their assets will be transferred to University ownership and the staff will become University members.

Defra have implemented a programme of redundancies at HRI Wellesbourne and Kirton. The remaining academic staff will join the new University department and the remaining support staff will join the University Administration.

As part of the integration of the two institutions a series of employee surgeries have started at the HRI sites, allowing staff to ask questions of the Warwick project team. These surgeries will be followed by seminars on the University and visits to main campus. During this process exchange visits will be set up between individuals and departments from both Warwick and HRI. Further information will be posted on insite in the coming weeks.

See the University's Vision for Horticulture Research International