Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise, RoCRE, part of the historic, world-renowned Rothamsted Research campus in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, has announced the formal appointment of a new Chairperson, The Baroness Jones of Whitchurch. Baroness Jones will assume her position in December 2018 and will be responsible for leading RoCRE and its’ Board in developing the strategy and vision, providing clear strategic direction, and ensuring that RoCRE delivers for all of its’ shareholders.

Baroness Jones is Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is a British Labour Peer and previously a trade union official and Labour politician. She has held non-executive positions in a number of consumer and environmental organisations.

Nicole Sadd, Executive Director of RoCRE comments on the new appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Baroness Jones to RoCRE. Her skills and expertise coupled with her knowledge and experience of the environment and political landscape are the perfect combination to help RoCRE build to its full potential and respond to the government’s industrial strategy.”

“RoCRE has a big part to play in bringing innovation, research and science together to encourage the development of the agritech sector. I’m very much looking forward to taking up the position, and supporting RoCRE in its role in developing a long-term, sustainable solution to tackle the global challenges we face as a society such as a growing population, climate change and an increase in aspirational lifestyle expectations. There is a huge opportunity in the agritech arena due to the technological advances taking place and the UK has the ability to be the leader on the world stage”, says Baroness Jones.

For more information, go to www.rocre-rothamsted.com or contact Claire Flawn, Marketing, claire.flawn@rocre-rothamsted.com Tel: 01582 938175.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise is a joint collaboration between Rothamsted Research (RRES), the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)[1] based on the historic, world-renowned Rothamsted Research campus in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. It is the first stage in the development of a larger campus on the site in Harpenden.

Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise is a unique hub focused on promoting collaboration and innovation by partnering with commercial agricultural technology businesses and opening up the research process. It supports agritech start-ups, spin-out companies, growing SMEs and more mature businesses by offering office and lab space and business support services. Alongside that, Rothamsted Conference Centre also offers state-of-the-art conferencing and meeting facilities as well as the stunning Grade 1 listed Rothamsted Manor, for exclusive private hire, for special events, VIP drinks, dinners and parties. Previously known as RoCRE, we we was established in April 2015.

[1] As from 1 April 2018 BBSRC became part of United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) – established as a body corporate through the enactment of UK Higher Education and Research Act 2017 – with the property, rights and liabilities of BBSRC being acquired by UKRI.