Warwick HRI Wellesbourne Warwick Warwickshire CV35 9EF Tel: +44 (0)24 7657 4455 http://www.warwick.ac.uk
About Warwick HRI
Recently ranked number one in our category of the Research Assessment Exercise for the UK Warwick HRI is a Department of the University of Warwick with research focused on plant and environmental sciences. We are based near Stratford-upon-Avon on 192 hectares of prime Warwickshire countryside half of which is conventionally farmed, the other half (including over one hectare of glass houses) is used for scientific research and trials. Warwick HRI has strong links with research institutions, business, and industry, both in the United Kingdom and overseas, working to develop innovative and exciting areas of research and technology.
Field Services Our site covers 192 hectares and the soil type is predominantly a sandy loam (sand over gravel). We have an on site reservoir with 18 million litre capacity to service most of the fields directly from the bore hole. Whilst half of the land is conventionally farmed, there are centralised fields used as part of a rotation for outdoor trials and a range of unique specialised areas for specific projects.
Our facilities include: 12 hectares available annually for field vegetable and associated trials Official Recognition to undertake efficacy trials (ORETO 211) bespoke Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) infected site bespoke Allium Whiterot (Sclerotium cepivorum) infected site site with perpetual carrot fly (Psila rosae) population site for cabbage root fly trials (Delia radicum) site for lettuce root aphid (Pemphigus bursarius) trials site infected with cavity spot (Pythium violae) site with depleted P & K status for soil nutrient studies mobile rain shelters for irrigation studies 12 hectare organic site registered with Soil Association (G2085) with full history, two stage conversion from conventional farming to arable / vegetable production 20 hectares arable reversion sown with various grass mixes as part of Countryside Stewardship Scheme inviting ecological and environmental studies 14 hectares land in permanent grassland set-aside
Glasshouse Services
The site at Wellesbourne has a wide array of facilities ranging from state of the art glasshouses to basic polytunnels and cold frames which provide excellent conditions for studies on a wide
5000 m2 glasshouse space in various sizes of compartments (20 m2 – 90 m2) with various attributes including heating, supplementary lighting, forced fan ventilation, A/C, shade screens, blackouts with night break lighting, CO2 enrichment, insect proofing and full environmental control Official Recognition to undertake efficacy trials (ORETO 211) Quarantine glasshouse facility offering negative pressure, pollen filtration and conditions for containment level A & B work Photoperiod chambers – 12 cabinets set in 3 glasshouse compartments offering accurate environmental conditions Thermogradient tunnels (2 x 270 m2) providing large areas with 4° C differential from one end to the other Tygan houses – 5 straight sided tunnels with mesh sides, polythene porch and insect proofing. Ideal for isolation studies Gallas Leys polytunnels – various attributes including straight sided, benching, blackouts and insect proof cages Standard polytunnels – 15 structures (16.5 m x 5.5 m). Ideal for seed production Spanish tunnel – 6 bays 8 m x 40 m Dutch Light frames – 10 soil based frames and 4 gravel beds, all with glass or bird netting covers Sand beds for capillary irrigation of nursery stock Cold frames with Mypex floor ideal for hardening off propagation trays
Research at Warwick HRI Research at Warwick HRI is organised in three broad thematic groups:
Plant Science - This research area covers a wide range of topics including plantpathogen interactions, flowering, pollen development, senescence, plant hormone action and stress tolerance.
Crop Research - This research area encompasses basic, strategic and applied studies at the whole plant and crop system level with the goal of improving all aspects of the production systems for major horticultural crops including bulbs, outdoor and protected flowers and ornamentals, fruit, mushrooms, and a range of field grown vegetables. We provide solutions to major challenges in crop production, crop breeding and pest, weed and disease management to enhance yield and quality for the benefit of producers and consumers.
Applied Microbial Science - Against a backdrop of international concern for the effects of human activity on the environment, our research aims to improve understanding of the biology and function of micro-organisms and their utilisation for sustainable crop production, environmental stewardship, and biotechnology.
We work closely with industry partners, funding bodies and levy boards to address real issues affecting growers and producers today. Our world-class facilities provide us with the latest technology to help solve problems, identify opportunities and facilitate knowledge transfer from academia to industry.
Continuing Professional Development at Warwick HRI Warwick HRI is home to internationally recognised research scientists and worldclass facilities. We have an enviable record in knowledge transfer, sharing expertise, contributing to the public understanding of science and delivering technology to industry. We have a range of opportunities for continuing professional development that are highly relevant to industry, these include: CPD Short Courses We can design and deliver tailormade vocational courses in many areas to meet the needs if industry e.g. Genomics, Trials Management and Agronomy.
Masters Training Programmes
Professional Doctorate We are now taking applications for our new track PhD which is structured as a multi-part project written up in a portfolio of reports rather than a single-theme thesis (traditional PhD). These shorter projects will be undertaken in conjunction with an industrial partner (minimum 50%) making this doctoral training programme ideal for companies who wish to provide advanced training opportunities for their employees whilst maintaining the focus of their research.
In conjunction with the BBSRC we can offers masters level courses that offer strategically important training for industry. Hot topics in this area at the moment are: Food security, agriculture and climate change.
Other Services and Facilities The Genetic Resources Unit (GRU) has a remit for the collection, conservation, characterization, documentation and research study of a range of vegetable crops and their wild relatives.
The Genomics Resource Centre utilises the latest genomic techniques within research and provides both expertise in genomics and the access to modern robotics to perform high through put experiments. In addition to the genomics laboratory we also have a freezer archive, liquid nitrogen store, a regeneration unit and seed store.
The Conference Centre is an ideal venue for holding business meetings, training events, conferences and 'Away Days'. Situated near Stratford-upon-Avon, at the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, and close to the historic towns of Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick HRI offers a relaxed, distraction free environment perfect for hosting events for up to 150 delegates.
How to find Warwick HRI The Warwick HRI is conveniently situated near the village of Wellesbourne, just 3 miles from Junction 15 of the M40.
From Junction 15, M40 Follow signs for Wellesbourne and Cirencester along the A429. Warwick HRI is on the right after 3 mile. From Stratford upon Avon Take the B4086 (first on the left after the River Avon) to Wellesbourne. After 5 miles, just before the village, turn left onto the A429. Warwick HRI is on the left. By Rail The nearest railway stations are Warwick, Warwick Parkway, and Stratford-upon-Avon (all approximately 5 miles away). Leamington Spa Station is approximately 8 miles from the site. Taxis should be available at these stations to bring you to the Conference Centre. Satellite Navigation Please note that some satellite navigation systems do not bring you to our site when you input our postcode; the alternative postcode CV35 9EQ will bring you directly here, although this should not be used when sending mail.