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From the Annual Reports
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"Until the mid-1980s virtually all research and development in horticulture was funded by the Government.
However, following a review, the Government took the view
that it would be better if the near-market R&D needs of the industry were decided and funded by growers,
leaving Government to concentrate its resources largely on basic and strategic research.
"Following extensive consultations with industry it was decided that
the fragmented and varying nature of the grower community meant that
market forces alone could not be relied on to produce a satisfactory support structure
of applied research for the industry.
A collective approach, underpinned by statutory regulations, would be needed.
"So, the Horticultural Development Company was established on 1 July 1986
with a remit to fund research and development and communicate results to growers.
"On 1 April 2003, the HDC were given responsibility for near-market R&D for the apple and pear industry.
"Following the Radcliffe Review in 2005, to assess the structure and efficiency of all Agricultural levy boards,
the government decided to establish a single levy board called
the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB).
"On 1 April 2008, the Horticultural Development Company took over
the management of the levy board activities for the horticultural sector of the AHDB.
Source http://www.hdc.org.uk/aboutHDC/howtheHDCbegan.asp
Professor Simon Bright, Director of Warwick HRI,
is to retire at Christmas after nearly six years in his current role.
Simon was previously Head of Technology Interaction at Syngenta
- the world's largest agribusiness company,
where he led research on the application of genomics and biotechnology to crop plants.
Professor Brian Thomas, Deputy Director of Warwick HRI,
will take up the role of Acting Director of Warwick HRI from January 2010.
Presently, both Simon and Brian are fully involved
in the ongoing discussions around the implementation of the School of Life Sciences
and will ensure staff at Warwick HRI are kept fully updated as work progress.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Thrift said:
"Simon has played an integral role at Warwick HRI, and the wider University,
during his six years with us - we greatly appreciate the valuable contribution he has made."
After completing a PhD in Plant Biochemistry at Cambridge University, Simon Bright spent 10 years at Rothamsted Research ( 1974-86), getting involved in the emerging field of plant biotechnology. He spent a year in the USA in 1984 - 1985 at a start up biotechnology company, before returning to the UK as ICI was establishing its crop biotechnology research. From 1986-2004 he was involved with the international research, development, management and commercialisation of crop biotechnology for ICI which became Zeneca and then latterly Syngenta through mergers and demergers over the years. Latterly his emphasis was on international research collaborations in genomics and biotechnology.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/gov/atoz/council/members/
From 2001 to 2004 he was member of BBSRC's Strategy Board
BBSRC Annual Report and Accounts 2003-2004 170609 07/04
Simon left Syngenta in 2004 to move to the University of Warwick as head of the new department: Warwick HRI. The department was established in April 2004 from a government institute specialising in Horticulture, Plant and Microbial Sciences. It has developed its research into the areas of sustainable agriculture, resource efficiency, plant-based materials and energy and has formed strong interdisciplinary links across the University. He was a council member of the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (2004-2007) and is currently a member of the UK National Horticulture Forum and the Nutrition Committee of the Rank Prize Trust. Simon chairs the Advisory Board of Egenis, the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society, at Exeter University.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/gov/atoz/council/members/
2010:- 13 January New Head of the School of Life Sciences
Job Advert in the THE
"The University of Warwick has established a School of Life Sciences
integrating the existing departments of Biological Sciences
and Warwick HRI.
"The formation of the new School is a vital step towards
the achievement of the University's vision
to become a world leader in the Life Sciences, ...
The new School will provide a focus for
inter-disciplinary research and teaching
across the wider life sciences (sic) at Warwick.
"The University now seeks to appoint a
Head of the School of Life Sciences
to lead this exciting initiative.
As Head, you will be responsible for
the strategic leadership and management of the School...
You will enhance the external profile (sic)
and representation of the School with key academic,
industrial and government partners.
"You must have an outstanding research record
and a leading international reputation in a life sciences discipline ...
You will need to be an excellent communicator,
with the ability to articulate the academic vision (sic)
for the School to all stakeholders.
"For further information ... please visit
www.perrettlaver.com/candidates, quoting reference 0602.
"Our (Perrett Laver's) vision is to influence society
through the identification of a new breed of leaders
for a changing world."
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/jobs_jobdetails.asp?ac=73820
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