John Innes Centre, Sainsbury Laboratory To Build World-Class Crop Science Glasshouse

A next-generation glasshouse, insectary, and horticultural research facility capable of growing a million plants a year has been announced by the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory following a £5 million donation from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Image: The Sainsbury Laboratory

Dubbed ‘Technology Platform 1’ (TP1), the new 4,500 m² state-of-the-art research facility will enable scientists to study crop performance under realistic, reproducible conditions. 

The world-class facility will enable plant-insect-microbe studies from molecules to the whole plant, providing a nationally accessible research capability, according to a press release from JIC. 

“TP1 will be the beating heart of our institutes, enabling us to grow over a million plants each year, test crops under future climate scenarios, and accelerate discovery across plant and microbial science,” revealed Professor Cristóbal Uauy, Director of the John Innes Centre, who described the £5m donation as a “transformative investment”. 

Professor Nick Talbot FRS, Executive Director of The Sainsbury Laboratory, said The Garfield Weston Foundation has played an essential role in turning vision into reality. 

“Their long-standing support strengthens the UK’s national research capability, and enables us to bring world leading experts together under one roof to drive the breakthroughs needed to safeguard global food security, improve human health, and protect our planet,” he explained.

TP1 forms the cornerstone of a bigger research infrastructure development at Norwich Research Park – the creation of a major new plant science and microbiology hub that will help address some of the most pressing challenges in food security, health, and the environment.

This week plans were approved for the Main Laboratory Building (MLB), which JIC said will provide the infrastructure that scientists need to drive future innovation.

MLB is a central element of the Next Generation Infrastructure programme led by the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory. 

The flagship building will deliver state-of-the-art laboratory and office space, integrated technology platforms, dedicated training facilities, and collaborative areas at the heart of the Norwich Research Park.

“As climate pressure grows, it is vital that plant and microbial science is equipped to support the UK to lead the way in the development of resilient crops, healthier foods and sustainable molecules for vaccines and new medicines,” pointed out Professor Uauy of JIC.

Professor Talbot of TSL called the new facility a “powerhouse” for plant and microbial science that will give researchers the flexibility to push the boundaries of discovery and future‑proof their laboratories. 

“Designed to meet the evolving scientific requirements of the two research institutes, the MLB is built to adapt – ensuring the UK remains at the global forefront of research and innovation,” he noted. 

Both TP1 and MLB support the Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3) campaign led by JIC and TSL.