First Agri-tech Cluster Director announced
Norwich Research Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Belinda Clarke as the first Agri-Tech Cluster Director for the East of England.
The cluster focus will be on linking the hugely successful organisations in the Norwich-Cambridge region, aiming to create new opportunities that increase innovation, employment and economic growth in the UK. It is hoped that the region will attract new investment, to build on existing activities and help fund new start-up companies in this important sector.
Dr Clarke gained a PhD in Plant Biochemistry from the John Innes Centre and worked as Science Liaison Manager for Norwich Research Park Science for more than 6 years. Also, she has worked for UKTI, One Nucleus, ideaSpace and is currently Lead Technologist for biosciences at the Technology Strategy Board; she brings tremendous experience of organisations that are the initial building blocks of the new cluster.
Norfolk and Cambridgeshire County Councils and the Local Enterprise Partnerships have worked closely together to focus on the social and economic impact that agri-tech will have in the East of England, which has unparalleled expertise in relevant research and agricultural technology.
The cluster boasts internationally recognised organisations, three of which are Partners on the Norwich Research Park – The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia and John Innes Centre. Others include the National Institute of Agricultural Biology (NIAB) and the University of Cambridge. Large-scale growers in the region, such as those brought together in the G’s Group, have built up tremendously successful businesses and export both produce and innovative ideas.
Dr Clarke commented “We will work to build on the strengths we have, through collaboration and sharing ideas and best practice. We will establish a strong, sustainable cluster, creating synergies between the players and delivering real economic value. The national agricultural strategy gives big opportunities for the UK to grow and I am delighted to be taking on the Director role.”
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, CEO of Norwich Research Park said: “we are delighted with Dr Clarke’s appointment to this post and look forward to working with her. Dr Clarke brings with her a wealth of scientific and industrial expertise that will be tremendously advantageous for fostering collaborations between research institutions and industry. We are excited by the opportunities that the cluster will bring, both for Norwich Research Park and the East of England as a whole.
Dr Clarke takes up her post next month and a launch event will be held on Monday 17th March to coincide with Cambridge’s 2014 Business Awards Week.