Driven by impact, fuelled by excellence
The Crop Science Centre is a coalition between the University of Cambridge and NIAB, that combines their diverse expertise to create an environment for research excellence, with the capability to apply discoveries to crop improvement in the field.
We are a Cambridge-based research centre that strives to deliver transformative technologies aimed at sustainably increasing agricultural productivity for all the world’s farmers.
We focus on staple food crops such as wheat, rice, maize and potato, as well as some of the crops specifically relevant to small-holder farmers, such as cowpea and sweet potato.
Learn more about us
We deliver transformative technologies that sustainably increase agricultural productivity
News
October 2025
Unlocking the potential of Bambara groundnut for food security and climate resilience
News
October 2025
Celebrating the power of international partnerships to deliver impact from science
News
June 2025
How Plants Tailor Organ Development to Engage with Friends and Foes in Symbiotic Interactions
News
May 2025
Uta Paszkowski elected to the National Academy of Sciences
News
April 2025
Disrupting ‘communication’ with plants could limit cyst nematode infections
News
January 2025
Dr Victor Souza Coordinates Editorial on Plant-Parasitic Nematodes and Sustainable Crop Management
News
January 2025
Ahmed's Research visit to Somalia
News
January 2025
Applying conventional and cell-type-specific CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in legume plants
News
January 2025
Using fungus to protect key crops in Brazil
News
October 2024
Precision breeding: legislation, applications, and implications for the UK
News
October 2024
Tania Chancellor awarded prestigious fellowship in technology transfer
News
October 2024
Dr Min-Yao Jhu selected as Assistant Features Editor for The Plant Cell
Our goal at the Crop Science Centre is to harness the power of linking discovery and impact to sustainably secure tomorrow’s global food production. I am passionate about creating an environment in which innovation and humanity can thrive.
Professor Uta Paszkowski
Acting Director of the Crop Science Centre
At the Crop Science Centre we have the scientific breadth and track record to rapidly respond to one of the grand challenges of our time: growing enough nutritious food for an increasing population while reducing inputs and green house emissions.
Professor Mario Caccamo
CEO and Director of NIAB
We envisage that new CSC crop technologies will enable higher crop yields and lower environmental impact for crop-based food production – as well as contributing to improved dietary health.
Professor Sir David Baulcombe
Royal Society Professor
Our work at the Crop Science Centre is driven by the urgent need to ensure future crops are healthy, productive, resilient, and sustainable. The challenge is significant, but is matched by our commitment to provide real-world solutions.
Professor Julian Hibberd
Head of Department of Plant Sciences